Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Similarly, we will not find a solution individually or in isolation. It will have to be done in a collective way. I am sure we will receive co-operation when the political games are out of the way. I do not intend to repeat the points made in that respect. Naturally, the Opposition has a role to play. Its period of political point-scoring is coming to an end. We have to work together collectively to find an effective solution, in the best interests of the people we represent and the country we hold so dearly. As a nation, we are not best served by some elements of the political system. I am glad that is coming to an end. We cannot allow ourselves to undermine the pillars of our own democracy. Clearly, we are doing this by ignoring the facts. Most accept that the Government is absolutely committed to rooting out wrongdoing. The statutory agencies charged with various responsibilities have to be independent. We want them to be so. Continued town-square flogging will further undermine the credibility of the country. As Ireland is a First World player, it has to act as a First World player and present itself as a First World leader. If we ignore the statutory agencies and get involved in public-square flogging, we will show Ireland to be no more than a Third World country. Some would like to exploit this if they had an opportunity to do so.

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