Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

When this House adjourned last week we anticipated some speculation over the weekend but I am sure that neither the Ceann Comhairle nor I, nor the House in general, fully anticipated and appreciated the extent of that speculation and to where it would lead.

As we sat in this Chamber last Thursday evening, when poor Deputy McGrath and others were wondering what their next move might be, Deputy Behan made his move and decided to set them all offside. The offside flag went up and it was too late at that stage for anybody else to move. I am sorry they were consigned to dry dock in such a way. After all, it is only a few short days since all the Government backbenchers and supporters on the benches opposite stood up with one accord and applauded the budget. It was an extraordinary performance.

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