Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I did not interrupt while Deputy Gilmore made many charges against me. I never do. However, the moment I stand up to speak I am interrupted. Deputies may feel that is the way to debate but people see through that.

We are taking whatever steps are necessary to get us through this problem, and that is creating real hardship for people. Like everyone in this House, I am aware of that. We take these policy positions because there is not an alternative if we are to get our public finances back in order.

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