Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

That is the usual Fianna Fáil response, that if one mentions a challenge to the economy one is guilty of national sabotage. The Taoiseach has been at this for 18 months. He has been in charge of this economy for the past three years. He saw these signs. He stated that the ESRI produced a report. The ESRI also stated that he blew the boom. The ESRI pointed out that this Government has blown the boom. As Minister for Finance, the Taoiseach increased spending to a reckless point with no return for the taxpayer.

His Minister for Finance stated recently that it is his misfortune to arrive in the Department of Finance at this stage to clear up the mess left by his predecessor, who happens to be the Taoiseach.

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