Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We had a different view on how to frame the recent budget. We argued for a two-third cut in spending and one-third tax increase approach. The Government, however, chose a different avenue.

Do the Taoiseach's Ministers realise the extent of anger on the streets when so much has been taken from so many? They had nothing to do with the problem that was caused by others which the Government has failed to rectify.

If the Taoiseach believed what he said a year ago, he has gone from hero to zero in 12 months. The problem is that the Taoiseach has no mandate for what he is now doing. As Taoiseach, he has not submitted himself to the people for adjudication. Before the Lisbon treaty referendum last year, I advised people to hold their fire about the Government until the local and European elections this year. The Taoiseach has said it is his way or no way. Yet, he has banjaxed the economy and robbed the people of their money. He has destroyed the hopes and careers of thousands of young people by failing to deliver confidence, trust and integrity in the country's future. He has failed to deliver a more efficient public service, health reform or rectify the public finances. Yet, he says he will do it his way when it is clearly not working.

On 5 June the people will cast their verdict on the Government in the local, European and by-elections. If the Taoiseach accepts that it his way or no way and if the people convict him and his Government, is he prepared to submit his Government to a general election? If the people reject the Government parties' candidates on 5 June, will the Taoiseach submit his Government to the people so they can have a government with a mandate to lead our nation out of the mess created by Fianna Fáil and the Greens?

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