Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We work hard and I can appreciate the job we all are doing. What the public think about us sometimes is unfair, but we all do our best to serve the public. I certainly admire my colleagues with whom I must deal every day. Even if we are fulfilling our parliamentary duties of being at loggerheads on this, that and the other matter, it does not take from my respect for them.

I thank my colleagues for their work during the year. Everyone associated with this House puts in a full and tough year. Christmas is the one time when we can collectively take a break and have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the season. On my behalf and on behalf of the Government, I wish everyone a very happy Christmas agus Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.

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