David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in welcoming our two new Senators. I am breaking the secrecy of the ballot in saying that I voted number one for both of them. It is really a lovely feeling to have two winners on the same day. They are both very talented people. Of course, we already know of the Lawlor family with its great tradition of hospitality in County Kildare. I would like to speak particularly about Senator Marshall because I think he made a very important point. There have been unionist voices here before and I remember them with great affection and admiration. They included Gordon Wilson, John Robb and people like that. They added a great deal, but they were Taoiseach's nominees. This is the first time that a unionist from Northern Ireland has been elected to this Seanad. This is a wonderful and historic day.

The next issue I wish to raise is the very obnoxious habit some people have developed of putting these vast photographs of aborted foetuses up against the walls of Leinster House. It does not bother me. I remember during a previous referendum campaign a woman came up to me, stuck a photograph under my nose and asked what I thought of it.I said "I think it is perfectly charming madam, I presume it is a family photograph".

I mention the intrusion of these sort of people. Today I gather they were at the Rotunda Hospital-----