Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

This is the reason I noted at the outset that it is regrettable that Members have such a short time. This is such an important issue to try to squeeze into a few minutes.

I wish to keep to the forefront of Members' minds that no matter how one wishes to turn or twist it, they are discussing real-life issues and human beings. Great numbers of individual human problems have arisen, in addition to distress and an impact on living standards. While great hopes had been built up, it has been followed rapidly by tragic disappointment. All Members must be honest and forthcoming with people in regard to the country's actual position and the measures that now are necessary. Everyone, including the public, has been bombarded to an extent with news on how the Government and its agencies, the Opposition and individual political groupings are dealing with such difficulties, as well as on the measures they consider to be necessary. At present, what is most necessary is to rebuild the trust of the public. I do not refer to rebuilding such trust by any individual group, the Government alone, its agencies, the Opposition or any political grouping. First and foremost, the trust of the public in Members as public representatives must be rebuilt. Some of the measures that have been referred to constitute steps in the right direction. Equally however, some of the measures that have been introduced in recent years also constitute steps in the right direction. I accept the point which has been made to me and undoubtedly to everyone else in the Chamber, that people seek guidance and leadership at this difficult time.

While I can discern from the Leas-Chathaoirleach's body language that my time is up, as I mentioned at the outset Members' ability to work together in difficult times has never been more important and will be most appreciated by the public at large.