Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy will be back to defend this, I am sure.

That is why leadership in politics is now more critical than ever. The fundamental job of a politician is to find solutions and make decisions in the best interests of the people. I know what it takes to revive a disillusioned and demotivated political force and rebuild it to a point at which it can legitimately challenge for the trust of the people. I know the grind and relentless commitment required to see it through. That is why I will offer my party and myself to rebuild our country and provide a high-quality future for all our people.

No incoming Government elected by the people has ever faced the scale of the economic challenge now facing our country. We have strong and powerful friends in Europe and beyond, and we need them, but it is for us to face this crisis in the first instance. Our time is analogous to that of the first Government of the State. That Government built a new young country from the ruins of a country. The next Government will have to build a new future from the ruins of our economy.

My words to the Irish people are clear. I am prepared to offer the people a strong, courageous and fair Government that will implement the proper plan to rectify our problems. The people now have the influence and power to determine our country's future. I am happy indeed for my party to put its plans before the people for them to decide upon. I know I can deliver on what I say I will do, and I will ask for their mandate to deliver on our plan to get Ireland working.

Maidir leis an rud a dúirt an Taoiseach faoi Raifteirí an file, ba cheart dó leanúint ar aghaidh le:

Ó chuir mé i mo cheann é ní stopfaidh me choíche, Go seasfaidh mé thíos i lár Chondae Mhaigh Eo.

See this speech in context