Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This will be done over a period of years, given the scale and magnitude of the challenge facing us. It will involve people having to take some steps back in order to go forward again. It will involve an imposition. Unlike Deputy Kenny, I say to the people openly and honestly that there will be a greater imposition of tax and a greater degree of sacrifice required of all of us. At the same time, it is far better to be straight and honest about that.

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