Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was not here yesterday, but I am delighted that Ireland has applied to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. I am amazed and amused at everybody falling over himself or herself to complain that matches would not be played in Nowlan Park, Thurles or wherever else. It is not long since the GAA had Rule 27 which was passed in 1922. It stated: "Any member of the Association who plays or encourages in any way rugby, football, hockey or any imported game which is calculated to injuriously affect our National Pastimes is suspended from the Association". Is it not amazing how far we have come?Dr. Douglas Hyde, who was President of this country at the time, was expelled from the GAA for attending an international soccer match in Dalymount Park but a Gaelic football ground in Roscommon was named after him. Liam Brady was also expelled from the GAA as was Moss Keane for playing under an assumed name. We have come an awful long way. I remind people who give out about rugby being played on GAA pitches or whatever to consider what went on 40 years ago. Ireland was a different place but it is in a much better place today.

I had hoped Hillary Clinton would have been elected President of the United States but Donald Trump has been elected. I echo the words of Dave Chappelle, a black comedian, who said he was going to give Trump a chance and that we "demand that he give us one too". We need to stand back and give the President-elect of the United States a chance. Some of his pronouncements and outbursts before the election were misinformed and unwelcome. Now we must stand back, give him a chance and demand that he gives us one too.