Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The problem we now face relates to the lack of belief in what the Taoiseach said to the tribunal. I wish I could believe his evidence, frankly. Where does that lack of belief leave him as Taoiseach of this country? How does the Taoiseach propose to continue to lead the country, given that a majority of its people do not believe the sworn evidence he gave to a tribunal that was established by this House? The people of this country have great affection for the Taoiseach, as he knows — they have elected him as the Head of the Government on three occasions. Like the people of Ireland, I have great respect for the work the Taoiseach has done for this country. However, he cannot take the people of this country for gullible fools. In light of the lack of credibility that attaches to the evidence the Taoiseach gave to the tribunal, how long does he propose to continue in the office of Taoiseach? That the Taoiseach will have to go to the tribunal repeatedly over the next few years to answer questions about various aspects of this matter will represent an obvious distraction from his day job. The question I have asked is particularly relevant when one considers that the House will consider a motion of confidence in the Taoiseach later today.

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