Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will defend this model. The Green Party, of which the Deputy is a member, has a different model and I wish it the best of luck. The Deputy will argue in its favour. When he has 84 Members to back the party he can come into this House and implement it. In the meantime I am defending this model and the way it works. There may be criticisms of aspects of it but on any objective analysis — be it applied to workers, income tax, ensuring more people are at work and have a chance to improve their position and that those at home have greater disposable income — there is no doubt, no matter how we argue the issue, the ordinary punters believe they are in a better position than they have been for a long time. That is my honest opinion. When speaking with them they confirm that and are aware it does not happen automatically. Neither do they think it is guaranteed for the future. I have been as straight with them as I can.

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