Does Senator Lombard think seven votes will be the difference?

It could be one vote.

Hundreds are against it.

It could be one vote. That is the important thing.

The speaker, without interruption, please.

This is an important vote for Ireland. It is one of the most important votes we could argue in 100 years. If we lost it by one vote, it would be a tragedy. There is a responsibility on those-----

That is absolute nonsense. At issue is seven votes. Any objective analysis would conclude that is nonsense, never mind the fact that people in the North voted against it democratically.

I am sorry, Senator. I cannot allow interruptions.

I must have hit a nerve, because Sinn Féin people do not like hearing the truth. This is about one vote.

As a democrat Senator Lombard should respect the view of the nationalist people of the North.

Senator, you have had your opportunity.

This is about ensuring that we can get this deal. If this deal fails by one vote, it is the responsibility of someone.

It would never happen. That is nonsense. This analysis is deeply dishonest.

You have had your opportunity, Senator.

People should know better – these are people who I respect in every other way.

A Leas-Chathaoirligh, this is absolutely outrageous. I have the floor and I cannot even speak because I am speaking the truth but the Senator does not want to hear the truth.

You have the floor, Senator Lombard.

It is exciting but not very edifying for the young people in the Gallery. I am sure they are enjoying it enormously.

When a person speaks nonsense, he should be challenged. That is the way of things.

This is about trying to ensure that we can get everyone on the same page. Obviously, Sinn Féin does not want to get on the same page. Sinn Féin wants to play small-time politics instead of putting the national question first. That is a real issue.

Senator Lombard is talking nonsense.

We have really seen what they are about this morning. They will talk the talk but they will not walk the walk, and that is pitiful. In fact, it is disgraceful.

That is absolute nonsense. No objective analysis supports that.