Order of Business - 27th March 2007

Order of Business – 27th March 2007

Mr. Norris: I join my colleagues in paying tribute
to the remarkable agreement reached yesterday
in Belfast. In particular, I thought Mr. Adams
played a fine game. He could have stymied the
whole thing if he wanted to be petty and could
have refused Dr. Paisley the room for manoeuvre
he sought. This was a type of last-gasp saloon for
Dr. Paisley, who was christened “Dr. No” by
newspapers. If he ever wanted to achieve his
ambition of becoming First Minister, this was the
moment it had to be done. I am glad agreement
was reached. Senator Maurice Hayes is right in
saying the body language was important. The visual
impact of seeing on television the two of them
sitting almost side by side was very interesting. I
hope that in the general feeling of well-being we
do not forget the cost, the tragic loss of almost
4,000 lives and a large number of people crippled
for ever. I hope those still suffering will not be
forgotten when the new arrangement comes into
being.
The situation is hopeful and perhaps it can be
used as a model for other parts of the world, for
example, the Middle East. I seek a debate on the
Middle East because we do not have the same
standards in dealing with Israel and Palestine. It
is important we also include in debate areas like
Iran and the taking “into detention”, to use a
neutral phrase, of 15 United Kingdom sailors. I
noted the extraordinary arrogance of the spokesman
who described the boat as being in “our
waters”. I wonder how the sea around Iraq has
suddenly become British territorial waters. I have
considerable hesitation about accepting the
United Kingdom’s version of events, particularly
since the local Iraqi commander said clearly the
sailors were in Iranian waters. In 2004, we had a
similar provocative incident and it was determined
then those involved were in fact in Iranian
waters. I hope they are not attempting to provoke
another military adventure by Mr. Bush.
I support Senator Terry’s comments on the
Taoiseach’s speech. I was out protesting the war,
but I heard his speech in the evening and found
it a fantastic performance. It was real barnstorming
and he hit all the right notes. I have no doubt
there will be a bounce. I have just one hesitation
and I am sure the Cathaoirleach supports me on
this. When the Taoiseach said he believed in
attacking problems, not personalities, I had a sudden
flashback and remembered his attack on
Deputy Joe Higgins in the Da´ il. Then I
remembered——
An Cathaoirleach: Order please. Many other
Senators are offering.
Mr. Norris: He said very clearly that Deputy
Higgins was a failed person. Therefore, he was
not a person, just a problem and it was all right
for the Taoiseach to attack him because he is a
problem, not a person.