Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to speak on this urgent national debate on the EU-IMF programme for Ireland and the four year plan. Before I go into the detail of the measures, I will judge these matters on how the Government treats the unemployed, the low paid, people with disabilities, cystic fibrosis patients, carers, small businesses, senior citizens and the weakest sections of society. That is my agenda and that is the mandate I got from the people of Dublin North-Central. This debate should be about the issues and the people of this country. It is not about personalities and some of the recent personal attacks and abuse should have no part of Irish democratic politics. The focus of my criticism and dissent will be on the Government as a collective group, senior bankers and the fat cats who destroyed our country.

My vision for our country is a radically different alternative to the Government's plan, based on increasing investment on a sustained and substantial basis in order to promote growth, employment and fiscal stability. I will address these later. We must start at the top. All Ministers, party leaders, Deputies and Senators must show leadership in these difficult times. All wages and expenses should be cut immediately.

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