Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

At times I think I would like to be in opposition, although I do not think such an opportunity will be afforded to me in the near future, having listened to what passes for heckling at the moment. An Opposition Deputy can basically slag off everybody, get on a high horse and lash out at everything. Sometimes a Government backbencher is jealous about having to tow the line so much of the time. However, during last December's budget, for once, I had some pity for members of the Opposition, who looked a forlorn lot. They could think of absolutely nothing to shake at the Government over the contents of the budget. Similarly in the Finance Bill we hear much hollow shouting and hollering, with Opposition Members getting indignant and self-righteous. However, nobody really believes them.

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