Senior House personnel had to grapple with a thorny issue - whether the description "dictator" could be applied to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. The problem became apparent after the Cathaoirleach, Mr Brian Mullooly, announced that Mr David Norris (Ind) could raise the need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to express concern at the "increasing level of persecution embarked upon against gay citizens of Zimbabwe by the dictator Mugabe".
Another university member, Mr Brendan Ryan (Ind), asked if it was in order for such a term to be used about the prime minister of a country with which Ireland had diplomatic relations. Was this not setting a precedent, he wondered?
"If I described the leader of Israel as the fascist Netanyahu I am sure Mr Norris would take exception," Mr Ryan said.
"I have no great sympathy for the government of Zimbabwe, but to use terms like that is inviting us to increase the colour of our language a little bit in formal parliamentary statements."
Mr Mullooly said that if the senator wished the reference in question could be removed from the wording of Mr Norris's motion. A query from The Irish Times as to whether the motion had been amended drew the initial limited response that this could be done under the rules of the House.
However, it was later made clear that the original wording would be permitted to stand.