Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

During that period and since I found him motivated by public interest and dealing with fairness, integrity, an even temperament and, above all, a basic decency, with all the issues with which he was confronted.

I am surprised the opportunity has arisen to express confidence so soon. The electorate has spoken only recently and a Government has only just been formed. There has been no material change in circumstances. Usually confidence motions are only called if a Government is about to fall. Otherwise they are only a short-lived wonder which binds the Government parties even closer together. A headline in the Irish Daily Mail, "A real Opposition at last", is not much of a reward, even if it does capture the impression parties opposite wish to create.

I congratulate Deputy Gilmore. Let me make a suggestion. What Deputies Kenny and Gilmore need in their offices is some good political advice.

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