Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The constant background noise from the Opposition and elements of the media has been one of doom and gloom, and even where there are hints of positive or constructive news, the Opposition rushes to assure people that there is a tunnel at the end of that particular light.

It spent the past four weeks, it has to be admitted, very effectively drowning out the Government's message. However, the Government will not allow these tactics to deflect us from doing what is right and doing what is in the best interests of the people. We will not, and cannot, allow the Opposition to portray us as uncaring or unsympathetic.

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