I am reasonably lenient because we are a democratically elected parliamentary Chamber. Members will be aware that the President has apologised for any offence his remarks-----

He did not apologise to the Defence Forces

-----about the forum chair may have caused. In that regard, the matter is best left there. Members know better than I do that the ruling of the House by successive Cathaoirligh in respect of the matter of the office of President is that it is above-----

If he can speak about us, we can speak about him.

Sorry, the office of President, irrespective of who is the holder, is above and should always be above and outside debate in this House.

He brought it on himself.

The conduct of the President, whoever is the President, in performing the role, is not open to criticism. I will not allow it. The office of President is one we should have the utmost respect for, regardless of people's views of the holder of the office at a particular time. The office is one that we in this House should-----

Respect is earned.

No. Senator Craughwell, who has been a Member of the House for a long time, knows that the office of President is above criticism on the floor of this Chamber. While I am here, I will not allow any criticism to happen.