Like Senator Richmond, I share the disappointment regarding the failure of Ireland to secure the rugby world cup. Although I do not come from a rugby background, I want to put on record that our Celtic cousins in Scotland and Wales, the people who play with us on the British and Irish Lions, let us down. This was a unique opportunity for the island of Ireland, North and South, to have a world premier. I believe they let us down. Ireland only got eight votes. I want to thank England, which gave us three of those eight votes, as well as Canada and the USA. I feel it is a lost opportunity for the island of Ireland.

A few months ago I raised the distinct possibility of the island of Ireland hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Durban had withdrawn and an opportunity arose. I felt that €500 million from the UK taxpayer could come to Belfast and, as an island, we could share the facilities. I do not think that was taken seriously by some Ministers here because they had their eye on the ball of the Rugby World Cup. While I can understand that, I believe these are two lost opportunities to have a world event on the island of Ireland. Sport reconciles and unites us. We need to look much more closely at this issue.

Many of us said yesterday we wanted an all-Ireland soccer team. We have an all-Ireland rugby team. What I am trying to do, hopefully, is have an all-island hockey team competing in the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia in 2018. Would it not be symbolic to have players from the island so we can cheer them on in the Commonwealth Games? I hope we will have that, although it will depend on world rankings. I hope we will have acceptance of an all-Ireland or all-island hockey team competing in the Commonwealth Games. The significance of it is that this is not a one-way street; it is a two-way street. That is the way we should think.

From one Roscommon Senator to another, I call Senator Leyden.

It is crying over spilt milk at this stage as far as the Rugby World Cup is concerned. Quite frankly, they made a bags of it. Let us call a spade a spade.

What would the Senator know? That is a ridiculous comment. Retract that.

There was an inability to negotiate. The Taoiseach was not able to negotiate.

What did you contribute? Slagging off women playing rugby. That really helped.

The Minister, Deputy Ross, was more concerned about North Korea.

It is a ridiculous point. On a point of order, Senator Leyden comes into this House and gives out about women playing rugby. Then he gets up here and tries to complain about the efforts of both Governments and all political parties. If he knew something about it, it would be one thing, but he does not know anything about it. He should stick to what he knows.

He is right.

That is not a point of order. The Senator might not agree with Senator Leyden but the Leader can respond.

He should stick to the facts.

I will tell the Senator one thing. When we were in power we could negotiate for world events.

They could negotiate bailouts. That went really well too. Stick to what you know.

I would not lose the Scottish connections. I would not lose the Scottish vote and I would not lose the Welsh vote. Where were they going? What kind of amateurs are they sending? Give me a break. They could not negotiate a piss-up in a brewery.

Send a letter to the IRFU. The Senator wants to ban women playing rugby. What else does he want to do?

The Senator is not helping Ireland.

Whether it is rugby, soccer, or football, I am not concerned. As long as it is held in Ireland I am happy.

Senator Leyden, you used an inappropriate adjective.

I will withdraw my earlier remark, a Chathaoirligh, but it explains their inability to win friends and influence people.

The Senator is still Charlie's man.

Circumstances may not allow me to appear here later today.

Rise and follow Charlie.

Timing is impeccable but in this case it is not too impeccable-----

The Senator has not changed in 40 years.

The circular-----

The Senator is already over time and interruptions from the Senators are only prolonging it.

The circular from Deputy Phelan of 5 November is being rejected by councils throughout the country. It is a disgrace and people are so disappointed. If the Leader of this House is facing the councils next time I am putting a warning to him now. He will be run from every council's door unless he does something about these expenses and costs. Councillors are not getting the minimum wage. They are not being paid the minimum wage. They are being used as public representatives and they are doing the work of public representatives.

The Senator is over time.