Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Let us face it, the Minister knows that in 18 months' time the election will be just over, and I hope every one of us here tonight, including Deputy Cregan, will be in the 30th Dáil. On that occasion, let us say that Fianna Fáil has 72 seats. The Minister will do whatever is required to try to make a majority because he believes in being in government, and rightly so because one can do nothing in opposition. If it suits the Minister, no doubt he will go across to Deputies Eamon Ryan and Cuffe and, despite this Bill or 100 Bills like it, ask them for parliamentary support. The Minister and I know that. One aspect of Fianna Fáil is that it believes in realpolitik. It does not mess around when it comes to staying in power. That is why it has been in power for 20 years.

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