Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is time that this sovereign Parliament took upon itself the responsibilities arising in this area. If we have a difficulty with the commission's recommendations and can devise a consensus around modifications or changes, why should we not do so on behalf of the constituents who are declaring such dissatisfaction? Perhaps the difference between me and Deputy O'Dowd is that I never joined that politically correct club.

See this speech in context