Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Across the country, young men and women, whose future depends on the quality of leadership politicians can give them, have recently completed their examinations. Over the next few weeks, they will nervously await the results that will determine the immediate future options that are open to them.

Here in Leinster House, we have our own end of term ritual. The Opposition fills in the Government's report card without bothering to check the exam paper. They pick a grade out of thin air. The result is never an A that reflects Ireland's achievements. It is always an F that holds up a mirror of failure to the Irish people.

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