Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

We cannot persist with a system of government that feels it can move public servants around like pawns on a board, without devolving real power to the regions clamouring for an opportunity to develop. We cannot persist with Ministers who preen themselves at glitzy launches but are not to be found when it is time to take responsibility for those things that were not delivered. We have had a style of government that has involved big talk, which in turn has engendered big hope. At a time of big opportunity, all we have seen is big disappointment. We have become used to empty ritual in this House, but it is now time for political seriousness. Under the leadership of Deputy Kenny, Fine Gael has a vision for a better Ireland. The vision, which is built on a hard-headed realism, renews politics, reinvents the economy and restores community. Tough decisions will have to be made to make it happen. Big bureaucracies will have to be broken up, diversity of provision will have to be fostered, information on performance will have to be released and success will have to be rewarded. Agencies will have to stop defending their turf — instead, they will have to merge their work with others to maximise effectiveness. Today should present us with an opportunity to bring about the change in direction this country needs. Most likely, that will not happen, however. The problems that require change will not go away. They will be here tomorrow and the day after. Regardless of what happens in today's vote, Deputy Kenny will continue to build a case for change and to offer Irish people a different way of doing business.

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