Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is no need for the Minister to behave like a frightened schoolboy. When I said I was contacted by taxpayers many of them were women. I did not think I needed to single out gender for the Minister but clearly I do. The Minister may be aware of the fact that tens of thousands of women, including myself, voted "No". With regard to the Minister's cheap shots about my former party I do not agree with any policy of my former party.

I want to make that clear. That is why I am an Independent Deputy. I did not bow to pressure like the Minister did. He once said he was pro-life. When he then realised that was not popular or would not guarantee him his Ministry, he decided to turn.