James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

As always, however, things are not as straightforward as they appear. In typical two-faced Government speak, Fianna Fáil Deputies have been overheard telling constituents to cover their tracks — that is putting it mildly — when declaring their income levels once the assessment is introduced on 1 January. It seems the answer to the question, "When is a lie not a lie?" is when it is a Government lie.

Shame on the Fianna Fáil-led Government for first using and abusing the elderly people of this country before attempting to get them on side. Shame on the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children for causing such anguish over the saving of a mere €100 million which, as we all know, the Government could squander at the stroke of a pen at any time, as it has done several times over the past ten years. Never again will the Government enjoy the trust of the electorate. The people have spoken and the made a vow of wrath against this democratically elected Government, which will never recover from the damage it has done.

See this speech in context