Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy can make his remarks and snigger later. The Government is determined to pull everyone behind this national effort. It will not be done without engaging with those who have a stake in this society. I remind people that when we faced a difficult situation in 1987, we pulled together even though not everyone agreed that was the approach. I believe in this approach.

See this speech in context