Order of Business - 25th June 2009

Order of Business - 25th June 2009
Senator David Norris: Let us have some good news. I wish to be the first to congratulate our colleague, Senator Shane Ross, on being awarded the distinction of business journalist of the year. This is unique among colleagues in the House. He has shown the genius of a great general in picking his subordinates, including Nick Webb who also won an award.
On the third anniversary of the seizure and disappearance of Gilad Shalit, will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to use his skill in approaching leaders of the various Palestinian groups to see if his release can be secured?
With regard to the IMF and the economy, the record of the House will show that I suggested something very close to NAMA practically two months before the Government came up with it. I also suggested they would have to merge the banks and nationalise them. According to the IMF, I was right about NAMA, mergers and nationalisation. If the House wants a further prophesy, it is the system, stupid.

An Cathaoirleach: The Senator should put a question to the Deputy Leader.

Senator David Norris: It is the whole problem of capitalism, which is predicated on the idea of an infinitely expanding market. One cannot have that, however, because it will burst. This is one of a series of crashes that, given the historical context, will become more severe and will occur closer together. On the radio this morning the announcer said, “Now for some good news: the weather”. Is that good news? It is not. We heard about what happened in Donegal.

An Cathaoirleach: A question, please.

Senator David Norris: Does the Deputy Leader agree with me that Senator O’Toole is wrong on this occasion? The economy is not a tsunami, it is a man-made event, but the tsunami is coming. If they cannot fix the economy, which is comparatively simple, let us sit back and watch them fix the weather, although I doubt it, honey. I am 65 and with any luck I may not be around when the bang happens.

Senator Alex White: Nostradamus himself.