SEANAD REPORT:TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern said he regretted that some of those contributing to the debate on the Lisbon Treaty had sought to use the necessary complexity of form and language to camouflage their true feelings about Europe and the EU or to create mischief.
There could be legitimate differences about policy and institutional matters affecting Europe. "But let us make sure that these differences are grounded in reality and fully respect the right of the people to have accurate information and arguments put before them before they exercise their solemn duty under the Constitution."
Mr Ahern's advice to the Irish people was to maintain a clear focus on the core question of our relationship with Europe.
"The record since our accession is very clear: whenever we have associated ourselves with the evolution of the European project, it has worked to our benefit both economically and socially.
"Our European identity, apart from being rooted in history, has also been a critical element in shaping the context within which peace and reconciliation on this island have been developing, since the wider European context and the Union's engagement with countries, regions and communities has enabled us all to rethink issues of identity and sovereignty.
"Ratification of the treaty will, therefore, provide a solemn basis for the continuation of that positive European engagement for Ireland, while enabling Europe as a Union to serve its citizens more effectively in the important and urgent areas in which they look for effective support and leadership."
The debate scheduled for the House was intended to centre on the treaty and the Belfast Agreement, but, inevitably, given that the Taoiseach was making his last appearance in office before a House of the Oireachtas, it became a series of tributes.
Seanad leader Donie Cassidy said he wished to pay a genuine personal and political tribute.
"Be it in the United States, China, India, the European Union, Northern Ireland, in the Houses of the Oireachtas or around the country, it has been our privilege and pleasure to observe the unrivalled standard of statesmanship and political skill that has made Bertie Ahern one of the most highly respected statesmen on the world stage."
Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael leader in the House, said Mr Ahern's sense of duty to the future of this island had been shown in his commitment to the idea of the European Union. The Union had the same roots as the Belfast Agreement. It was grounded on the belief that war was preventable. That life was precious. And that by concentrated, diligent work towards co-operation within a wider Europe, the EU could be a profoundly effective way to ensure peace in our time and in our children's time.
Dan Boyle (Green Party), deputy Government leader in the Seanad, told Mr Ahern: "You are still a relatively young man, especially in political terms, and I am certain you will continue to have a public service role on behalf of this country, perhaps in the international arenas, where you have garnered so much experience."
Joe O'Toole, speaking on behalf of Independent members, said that in all political lives there were ups and downs. "I would say without hesitation and without fear of contradiction that when we come to look at the balance sheet of your political life, the credits will far outweigh any debits."
Ciarán Cannon, in his first speech as leader of the Progressive Democrats, said it was appropriate that one of Mr Ahern's final official acts was his attendance at a Battle of the Boyne site ceremony.
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In a personal statement, Jim Walsh (FF) said in the comments he had made about chairmen of tribunals, it had never been his intention to offend anyone.
There was an outcry from the Opposition after Mr Walsh claimed last Tuesday that the chairmen of some tribunals had used their position to act more or less as shop stewards for the wealthy legal profession.