John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I commend the budget to the House. We have had a lengthy debate on what turned out to be a very prudent budget from the Minster, Deputy Cowen. It is a budget for its time and reflects what is needed for the economy as we approach a difficult period in 2008.

Deputy Kenny referred this morning to the public service and then attempted to drive a wedge between me and my party with regard to comments I had made.

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