Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

One of the attributes of good government is the ability to confront challenges. There is no doubt that the Government confronts a challenge greater than any we have seen on many previous occasions. However, I am convinced the Government, under the Taoiseach Deputy Cowen, is capable of meeting the challenges. The Fianna Fáil Party, the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats, together with the Independent Deputies, will recognise and overcome the difficulties we face.

It is vital that the solidarity and courage required of people who support the Government should be seen throughout the country in the coming days and weeks. We will face significant challenges with the education cuts, agriculture cuts and others. It is vital, therefore, that we stand up and defend the Government for doing the right thing.

I am amazed by the response of the Fine Gael Party to the budget. A defining moment in my 26 years in the Dáil was the 1987 budget when Ray McSharry had to take difficult decisions, just as we do today. At the time, Alan Dukes had the courage to put the country and the best interest of the economy before the political parish pump. It is rather sad to witness what we have seen from Fine Gael in the House over the past few days. The Government has had to make difficult decisions. It had to make the decision to raise tax by €2 billion in net terms so that it would end up with a general Government deficit that is still high, at 6.5% of GDP.

See this speech in context