Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

"It is a sad day for the Irish people and a tragedy for the Labour Party." These are the words of Mr. Jack O'Connor, president of SIPTU and one of the Tánaiste's own. They reflect the disappointment of many who voted for the Labour Party in the general election. Why is the Labour Party proposing this sell-off? Why are successful, self-financing State companies, such a positive in the economy, to be disposed of? How can the Labour Party claim that infrastructure, particularly energy infrastructure, is anything but strategic, necessary and a vital lever for the State and the Government in the economic recovery we all wish to see?

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