Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The unprecedented measures which have been taken to tackle this unprecedented crisis are being recognised. Institutions and companies which matter to this country have seen decisive action being taken. They have seen the Government is willing to take the right choices, even if they are the toughest ones. The concern last year that the action required was simply too tough for the Government to undertake no longer exists. It is obvious we are not at the point of recovery yet, but no fair person can deny that the foundations for recovery are being put in place and there are positive signs of what will happen in the future.

Fundamentally, the people are angry and disillusioned. It is easy to try and exploit this, but the only way of addressing their concerns is to deliver action and recovery. These are politically volatile times and Fianna Fáil has taken a hit. However, it would be a huge mistake for anyone in the House to believe the situation today is the same as it will be in a few years' time. The very purpose of representative democracy is that government and legislature reflect long-term, not short-term, opinion. The declarations of impending victory and constant spinning of opinion polls are great for news cycles but have a poor record when it comes to electoral cycles.

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