Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Everyone recognises the strength of the consumer boom and the construction industry. It is not, however, the amount of money that is taken in that is the priority, it is how it is spent and the value for money in services.

The Taoiseach and the Government, in spite of the strong economy which every one supports and which the alternative Government, when it assumes office next year, will expand and develop, have presided over chaos in accident and emergency units, with 20,000 people on waiting lists and MRSA rampant in hospitals. Crime rates are rising and detection rates falling, with 29 murders this year alone and violent gun crime out of control on the streets. There is no effective road safety strategy and prices are rising faster than the rest of Europe. The economy is hugely dependent on personal debt in consumer spending and the construction sector. Agricultural and marine incomes have been wiped out. Class sizes are growing. There are 100,000 pupils in classes of more than 30 and completely inadequate educational facilities for thousands of others.

That is what this Government has delivered with the taxes it has collected in the last nine years. While no one doubts the strength of the economy or will do anything to harm it, the Government's inability to accept responsibility for any action has resulted in an inferior level of service for the people who, when they pay for a service, expect one of the highest quality. Look at the transport delays and difficulties for commuters every day on the roads. Those are all down to bad, weak Government and an inability to accept responsibility for anything.

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