Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will come to that point, but I want to make this first point, namely, that the Deputy is incorrect because he is trying to suggest there was some sort of a predetermined outcome here. That was not the situation. We tried over a period of weeks, as I said we would, to see if it was possible to obtain consensus on the matter. It was not possible, unfortunately, but the Deputy does not have to question the bona fides of everyone who was in there. That is the easy thing to do when one is outside the door, playing the hurler on the ditch game. People were in there making a sincere effort, on behalf of their country, their constituencies and those whom they represent — they have different interests which are equally legitimate — to try to find a way forward in what is a very difficult situation for everybody. I refute and reject the picture painted by the Deputy regarding everyone's intentions and efforts.

The second point I would make in regard to——

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