Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Obviously he did not, he was not in government at the time. The challenges remain the same. I stand over my budgetary policy in respect of providing a fiscal impetus this year to the tune of 1.5%, which was the right thing to do. In terms of current expenditure I refused to put the brakes on completely, which was accepted by most economists as the right thing to do. We will continue to moderate the increase in public expenditure. It will be more significant as a result of reduced growth rates this year compared to what was predicted and hoped for. We cannot be immune from global developments. We must carry on responsibly and prudently and we will do that.

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