Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

-----internationally in the European Commission, the European Union and the European Central Bank and at home recognise that the decisions we are taking are macroeconomically the right decisions. They are the way forward.

It is the only means by which one can bring back balance to the public finances and unless we address the position regarding the public finances the prospect of economic recovery is prolonged in this country. We have to get on with that job. We will do it and we intend to do it, with or without the support of Deputy Kenny. He has an opportunity-----

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