Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have just explained that I reject the Deputy's contention that we are working off the same base as 1980. We are in a far different position. There will be rising unemployment but there will also be rising unemployment in the European and global economies. There will be lower growth rates. We are transitioning to lower medium and long-term growth rates than was the case in the halcyon days of the Celtic tiger. Everybody knew and understood that before, during and after the election. The issue is who is most capable of managing the situation. The Deputy suggests that my fiscal stance is too expansionary. She does not agree with the impetus I have put into the economy of approximately——

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