All parties in the Seanad joined last night in an attempt to promote a resolution to the Indonesian occupation of East Timor.
An agreed motion, adopted by the House, called for the immediate introduction of UN observers and for the release of the political leader of the East Timorese people, Mr Xanana Gusmao, so that he could participate in talks leading to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Several speakers referred to Irish Times coverage of events in the former Portuguese colony.
The deputy leader of the House, Mr John Dardis (PD), said it was noteworthy that this was a substantive motion which had the support of the entire House.
He welcomed the presence of a person from East Timor to the House and recognised what had been done by Mr Tom Hyland, of the East Timor Ireland Solidarity campaign, over many years. The question might be raised as to why one small country on one side of the world would be concerned about another small country many thousands of miles away, he said.
But they should not be surprised about that. There were many parallels in respect of the history of the two islands. Freedom was something that was cherished everywhere, and it was the responsibility of the House on all occasions to proclaim the right of any people to their freedom. It was also extremely important to say that it was not enough for a people to be autonomous under any other rule.
The Good Friday agreement, adopted on this island, stated that the status of Northern Ireland could change through the express wish of the majority of the people. It was the minimal right of the East Timorese people to ensure that any arrangement arrived at had their backing.
Earlier yesterday afternoon members had sought an urgent debate on the reported latest tragic turn of events in the territory. Mr David Norris (Ind) pointed out that he and university senatorial colleagues had tabled a motion calling for UN observers to be sent to East Timor.
Mr Pat Gallagher (Lab) complimented Conor O'Clery of The Irish Times "for his first-hand information which he is relaying from Dili to us and certainly informing our debate in a very direct fashion".
Responding to the debate calls, the leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, agreed to provide time for a special discussion on an agreed motion last night.