Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The past couple of days have demonstrated, if anyone needed reminding, how precious democracy is and how much it matters. Every vote counts. It is quite improper for any government to involve itself in another country's election, but as individuals who care about democracy and the free world, the last few days have been little short of incredible in our lifetime. It has also been a salutary lesson for President Trump that bullying does not pay and that the road of peddling fake news runs out and is a cul-de-sac. His despicable references to Detroit and Philadelphia, appealing to his base last night, in his anything-but-gracious speech were a disgrace. His invoking of and reference to the US judiciary is from a different planet. Democracy in Ireland has a very proud tradition of respect and separation of powers for our Judiciary. It is in sharp contrast with what the leader of the free world said in referring to the US Supreme Court. He welched on the Paris Agreement, and that withdrawal happened only yesterday. Soon-to-be-president Biden - does that not sound good? - has said he will ensure America takes its place again as a part of that agreement. He has strong Irish connections. It is not my place as a Senator, but sometimes it is good to be first out. I know that the Cathaoirleach is respected in America.