Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)

It can be difficult to enter into an unconventional relationship. When the Green Party was approached by Fianna Fáil six months ago, many believed the relationship would not last. People told us to be cautious of Fianna Fáil because it was only after our votes and that it would drop us when necessary. They told us that they had been around for a long time and knew more about these matters than we did. I am glad to state that it is not a marriage of convenience, on which our programme for Government is clear.

There can be moments of tension in a relationship. When Deputy Howlin asked us to adopt his Bill last week, it caused a certain amount of tension. We discussed the Bill in detail and I am pleased to say that we will proceed with the heads of a Bill on this issue by the end of March 2008.

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