Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

If we are prepared to be radical on all fronts, we can sit down and find a solution to the problem. I agree that would be in the best interest of the country but in the meantime the Government must continue to govern and to make the necessary decisions. I do not act on the basis of not seeking co-operation and agreement but because I believe these are the best means by which we can successfully implement a strategy that will get us out of this crisis. I believe everyone is acting in good faith in that effort but any resumption of negotiations must be on the basis that everything is on the table in terms looking at every aspect of industrial and other policies for keeping jobs in this economy.

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