Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The well chosen throw of the rattle out of the pram is acceptable. However, when all the backbenchers throw it out at the same time, we know we have stepped into dangerous territory. Our backbenchers spoke clearly and eloquently and I would make no criticism of them. Fianna Fáil has never shied away from honest and robust debate within the parliamentary party.

A number of people have chosen to evoke the names of de Valera and Lemass. It is worth reflecting on this.

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