Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is not the sort of motion one necessarily enjoys having to speak to. We realise that on many occasions confidence motions have been used purely for political advantage and opportunity. Given the current arithmetic of the Dáil, a person would be forgiven for questioning our motives. However, it is necessary to remind ourselves of the commentary of many Members on the opposite side of the House prior to and on assuming office. The Taoiseach said Ministers would be measured by performance and results, there would be report card systems in place-----

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