Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I express hope on behalf of the Independent group in general that the debate will proceed on that basis. There is no need for ad hominemarguments to be made one way or the other and there is no need for anger or rancour to enter into this. Although deeply held moral convictions both ways are probably an issue, that does not mean they have to be shoved down other Senators' throats.

I appeal to the House not to consider the legislation in a manner which is unseemly or uncivilised or which, in view of the fact that the Dáil has already deliberated upon the Bill, ignores our duty to consider it carefully, listen to all points of view on it and examine whether it is in a proper form to be passed. We should not be deflected from that by preconceived notions as to where we stand on the issue one way or the other.