Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

On the issue of international confidence, it is worth noting that there are reasons to believe some UK-based foreign hedge funds are spreading false rumours about the state of the Irish economy. They are comparing Ireland to Iceland, for example, to try to force the sovereign default on which they have placed their bets. The approach of Fine Gael and the Labour Party is sustaining the hopes and aspirations of those involved with hedge funds who want to do Ireland Inc. down. When Opposition Deputies throw accusations across the floor of the House and seek to undermine every initiative the Government takes to get the economy back on track, they should bear in mind that the world is watching. All Members have a responsibility to perform their duties appropriately and carefully. The economic stability of the country and the prosperity of the people depend on this. The motion tabled by Fine Gael and the contributions made by its Deputies in the last two days represent a major mistake. The outcome of that approach will be reflected in the coming weeks. If, in the weeks to come, Deputies Varadkar and O'Donnell notice a slight improvement in the Government's performance in the polls, they will know why it is happening.

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