Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Yes. If Deputy Howlin and I meet for a drink 20 years from now — I doubt if any of us will want to be here then because we will have passed our sell-by dates — we will reflect on all the wonderful things that happened in Ireland in recent years. We will say what great things happened and point at what has taken place in Wexford, Clare, Louth and everywhere else. Deputy McGrath might complain if some of his constituents leave Clontarf, but generally it will be good for the country.

The Deputy can be assured that small business is close to my heart. As someone who started a small political business I know what it is like to compete with the multinationals.

See this speech in context