P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

I wish to address the ladies and gentlemen on the opposite side of the House. It is time for them to change the captain. I have served the people of west Cork in politics and in this House for more than 21 years. I am a realist and I know that we do not have the numbers on this side of the House to force a change but the people opposite have that choice and while they may not do it today they will have to do it very soon. Where are the Mary Harneys, the Séamus Brennans, the Charlie McCreevys, the Dessie O'Malleys and the George Colleys? Those were the people who knew in previous times that the leadership of their party was going in the wrong direction. They stood by their principles and stood up for their dignity and for their party. Where are these people now? Is there no one over there who has even the slightest doubt about the leader of Fianna Fáil or have they all been bought and silenced? Is there not one who can stand up for his or her principles?

If the evidence that was offered over four different days had been given as a counter defence to an order by the Criminal Assets Bureau for confiscation of assets illegally obtained, would any judge in the land or any fair-minded person order that the assets be returned to the perpetrator? I think not. This is the position that those opposite must come to terms with, whether that be today, tomorrow or some day soon. The day is coming and those who hid in the crowd like sheep will have nothing of which to be proud. I am reminded of a famous catch-cry of Ciaran Fitzgerald, "Stand up now above the parapet and show your courage".

I do not usually quote from the Bible but I refer to the gospel last Sunday. I wonder what the Members opposite thought when they heard Luke, chapter 16.

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