Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach's speech this morning impressed me greatly. Deputy Ned O'Keeffe summed the budget up very well as it is all give and no take. As we are 200 days away from the general election, the Opposition Members are getting panicky, as they should. However, not being political, if one takes this budget objectively there is much for many. If the Evening Herald, not a great supporter of Fianna Fáil, claims the Minister for Finance delivered a fair budget, we must be on the right track.

I represent a constituency with a large urban population. For those Members who cannot remember, I represent Dublin South-West, which embraces Tallaght, Firhouse, Templeogue, Greenhills, Brittas and Bohernabreena. As a backbench Fianna Fáil Member I believe in representing the concerns of my constituents to the party leadership. While the economy is doing well, we should be looking after the vulnerable and senior citizens. The Government has shown its caring side in the packages announced in yesterday's budget. As the Taoiseach recently said we must be mindful that a rising tide may not automatically lift all boats. The little boats need that little extra attention. I am glad to be a Member for a party that has done this.

The Taoiseach described the budget as one of commitments — making them and meeting them. He pointed out it is a budget for enterprise, workers, pensioners and family. Many Opposition Members have broadened the discussion which is why the Chair had to issue its warning. However, it is important to remind ourselves of the progress we have made.

The Tallaght I moved to — I am not originally from Tallaght but had to move there with an employer — is a different place today from what it was then.

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