Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Since this country went into recession the Labour Party has taken a positive and hopeful view of our country's economic affairs. We have concentrated on putting forward solutions, suggestions seeking to convey our belief that, as a people, we can get through this recession, there can be better times and, however difficult the adjustment may be, that it will be worth it in the end.

Despite every effort we have made to see opportunities where there are obstacles, the most depressing thing I have heard in this period of recession is the speech the Taoiseach has just delivered. Is that the best the leader of the country's Government can offer the people of Ireland at this very difficult time? I was angry that no proposals were presented by the Taoiseach before the commencement of this debate and that we are debating this matter in a vacuum. To find not only have no proposals been put forward in advance of the debate but that nothing new was on offer in the Taoiseach's contribution tells me that this country is now led by a Government that is incapable of leading us out of the recession and that is bankrupt of ideas.

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