Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Dec 1967

Vol. 64 No. 7

Greek Government Crisis: Motion.

Mr. Garret FitzGerald

I would like with your permission to say that in view of the regrettable rejection by the Greek Government of the constitutional authority of the King and what appears to be the temporary failure of the attempt to restore some form of democratic government in Greece, the sponsors of the motion on Greece are with regret withdrawing it from the Order Paper.

We are, nevertheless, glad that an opportunity occurs to express the concern of Members of this House, which we believe is shared by all sides of the House, for the democratic forces in Greece suppressed by the present regime.

Tomás Ó Maoláin

I am glad that Senator FitzGerald had the sense to withdraw that motion because it was obvious from the start that it was a foolish motion, since we had very little information of what was happening in Greece and we could not afford the time to debate it here.

Mr. Garret FitzGerald

I still give credit to people on all sides of the House.

Mr. Sheldon

On a point of order. Should we not begin by defending democratic practice here? Surely all this is out of order.

An Cathaoirleach

The motion is withdrawn from the Order Paper.