Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

W. B. Yeats once wrote, "This is no country for old men". I would like to add that this is no country for old men and old women. Last week my blood pressure went up when I looked behind the Government front bench as the Fianna Fáil choir clapped and roared. The only thing they did not do was sing The Soldier's Song, Sinne Fianna Fáil, because they were clapping and roaring for this wonderful budget. What happened since last Tuesday? They all went home at the weekend and I told them the people would respond. I put it on the record of the House over the past few years that the people would soon be on the streets. I say well done to the women of Ireland and to the men of Ireland, the over 70s and the under 70s for coming on to the streets today because this is the second time this year they have put two fingers up to the Government. What is wrong with this Government is it is run by the Civil Service while Ministers sit in their Mercedes or in the front seats of Aer Lingus aeroplanes. Many Ministers spend more time in the air than any aeroplane of Aer Lingus. They have lost touch with the people, they have lost contact with the people and it is time to get them out of Government. The people should not forget them this time. They have codded the people for 50 years and it is time to get rid of them, get them out of power and put in a new Government.

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