Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

His handlers conveyed him to his party's supporters at all times. He did not appear on the streets of Ireland. He did not meet the people, as was his wont. The supporters got around and shielded him from the rawness and anger on the streets. He did not meet the people. He did not shake hands with 100 members of the public in the three weeks of the campaign he conducted around the country.

I agree with the Taoiseach on one point, although I rarely agree with him. On 28 May, he stated that the people were mature and had discernment and common sense. I agree with that statement. Last Friday, the people were very discerning. They knew exactly what they were doing when they went behind those screens with their pinn luaidhe. They are a people of common sense and understand that those who got us into this mess are not those to get us out of it.

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