Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Let us be honest about it, let us be up-front with people and let us call a tax a tax. The Government will do anything to avoid using the word "tax". It has levies, user charges and contributions, all of which are taxes by another name.

It is clear there is a requirement to broaden the tax base. The wide range of reliefs and exemptions that grew up in the last ten years must now be rigorously pruned and curtailed to ensure the wealthy pay a fair share. That means a re-examination of the tax breaks for interest on rental properties, it means dealing with the loophole in respect of directors' pension schemes and it means looking afresh at the rules pertaining to tax exiles — an Irish passport should bring responsibilities as well as rights.

To get the economy moving again, we also need a different approach to the banking crisis. First, we need rigour, discipline and consistency from Ministers, which has been lacking. Second, we must look to the credibility of the banking system. This means, in reality, major changes in personnel across the guaranteed banks. It also means sending a clear message to investors across the world that Ireland is making a fresh start in its banks, and that wrongdoing will be exposed and illegality punished.

What has gone on in Anglo Irish Bank cannot be brushed under the carpet. There has to be full accountability to restore confidence, credibility and Ireland's reputation. While we did not wish to own a bank, we do now, so let us set that bank to work and draw down the money available from the European Investment Bank to lend to small businesses which are currently starved of credit.

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