Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

-----because we are all collectively responsible for decisions. I have not been equivocal in any way in my rejection of the criticisms by Deputy McGuinness in respect of how he views the Tánaiste is doing her job. I refrained from engaging in any further criticism because I do not believe it is of any help or use to anybody. I believe I did a job that had to be done with regard to my responsibilities. I do not take any great pleasure in doing these things but it had to be done. It is no reflection on the competence or capabilities of anybody concerned. I had to get on with my job. The Deputy has to do this himself, from time to time. I am sure the changing round of responsibilities, or whatever, is one of the more difficult aspects of his job.

People are entitled to express opinions in certain respects but I do not accept for one moment criticisms that would suggest the Tánaiste is anything less than competent and diligent in the discharge of her responsibilities. Quite the contrary. Those who work with her and who have seen her in action doing the job the Deputy mentioned, either this week or any other, have given only praise to me in respect of the efforts she has made and the professionalism with which she has discharged her responsibilities. I do not wish to get involved in any criticism of any other individual only to say that we should all work conscientiously and together, in full solidarity, in the interests of the country.

Regarding the idea there is any paralysis in the Government the situation is quite the contrary. This Government has been involved for the past 12 months against the onslaught of the financial crisis. This would otherwise have been the case, had there been no changes to our policy, and each and every one of them has been rejected by the Opposition.

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