Seanad report: Three Fianna Fáil members, including the leader of the House, Mrs O'Rourke, described the war in Iraq as illegal, unjust and immoral

In her strongest criticism so far, Mrs O'Rourke said there was no doubt there was an effort at aggrandizement by the US. The other two Fianna Fáil members were Mr Labhrás Ó Murchú and Mr Don Lydon.

Earlier there had been sharp exchanges between Government and Opposition members following a call by Mr David Norris (Ind) for a "rolling" debate to monitor the unfolding events in Iraq, particularly in view of the information deficit which, he said, was making it difficult for the public and for responsible politicians to make up their minds about the real situation.

"We have had today the bombing of the television station in Baghdad. The other day the Americans were complaining about violations of the Geneva Conventions. This is another one. This is a civilian operation."

Responding angrily to interruptions from the Government benches, Mr Norris said: "You should be ashamed of yourselves for trying to silence me. Shame on you and your dirty Government and its coalition."

Singling out Dr Martin Mansergh (FF), Mr Norris said: "You are a new boy in this House. Learn to behave yourself."

Al-Jazeera was reporting on the conflict. When was it going to be bombed Mr Norris asked.

Mr Brendan Ryan (Lab) asked if there was a list somewhere in the US Defence Department which listed us as part of the "Coalition of the willing". The Irish Government accepted the view of the American intelligence services that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. "If they believe the US can be so wrong about our involvement in the US coalition, they could perhaps develop a bit of scepticism about things which are far less proven than the fact that the Government says we are not involved. Everybody knows we are one of the Coalition of the willing. The only ones who don't know are the Government."

Mr John Dardis (PD), Deputy Government leader in the House, agreed that the situation in Iraq should be kept under review. There had been a lot of spinning from both sides. However, he thought that the propaganda within the House was just as useless as it was from any other quarter.

Dr Mansergh said he thought he had exercised as much responsibility in public life as Mr Norris had. "I don't believe histrionics on a daily basis has anything to contribute to debates."

Dr Maurice Hayes (Ind) asked that the relevant minister be requested to reflect on the propriety of an officer of the Defence Forces in uniform "pontificating on the television on a war in which we are not part".

Mr Joe McHugh (FG) said he believed that Mr Blair's visit to Washington yesterday showed that he was panicking.