Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Despite what the Deputy says, there are many people in the country who recognise that corrective measures must be taken and the Government has a responsibility to discharge, which they respect.

There are those like the Deputy who seek to suggest there is an easier way forward without increasing income taxes. He stated in his supplementary question that he would have provided a greater level of expenditure cuts but, again, with no specifics on them.

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