Before I call the Leader of the House, Senator Norris wishes to make a personal explanation to the House. Before calling the Senator, I want to make it clear that I will not allow any debate on this matter. Once the personal explanation is made, the matter will be closed.
Personal Explanation by Member
I thank the Cathaoirleach. I would like to explain what happened yesterday, put it in context and withdraw some of the words that gave offence. I was simply furious, having just possessed a copy of this mendacious document in which those of us who in the past 30 years have campaigned for Seanad reform were smeared in the nastiest way. This will be a very dirty campaign and it comes from the top. I was incandescent with rage. I accept that my language was intemperate. Had I been called for an explanation at the time I would have given one. I do not intend to go into a lengthy, linguistic explanation and try to defend what I said, which I could do if it was an academic discussion. I regret any offence, but what I regret most is that this will be used in this dirty campaign as a diversion.
Under Standing Order 33 which allows the Senator to make the explanation, he has to be brief.
I will finish by saying that it was stated on radio by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, that there was personal antagonism between Deputy Doherty and me. That is untrue. I spoke to her last week and sympathised with her on the horrible attacks about the abortion Bill. There is no disagreement. There is nothing but friendship. I did not prepare anything.
I ask the Senator to stick to the matter.
I did it off the top of my head and I am very happy to withdraw the comment and say this is a very valuable document because it shows a smoking gun in that the Taoiseach was prepared to parachute in people who had failed in the Dáil election. That is a serious issue, not intemperate language from me, which I am happy to withdraw.