Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

Not during my maiden speech, though a maiden I am not, obviously. However, I wish to mention that I made money on the Green Party. When I was canvassing in rural Athlone one night, I met a man who asked me whether I had €20 on me. I said I had and he told me to give it to him and he would put a bet on Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats. As I made €180, I am very glad I put my money where my mouth was and won my bet on having the Green Party in government. For my part, I am very happy to have them with us in government.

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