Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

This is an issue on which I have strong feelings. We have all been canvassing for the past three or four weeks. The big issue on the doorsteps is the public's loss of trust in the Taoiseach and his Government. The Taoiseach, when Minister for Finance, stated on the airwaves in the last few days before the general election that the economy was fine and that we should continue to spend even though he knew that was not the case. He then assumed the role of Taoiseach. He has again since taking up the position of Taoiseach continued to tell the people all is fine. People do not believe him. The Taoiseach has lost moral authority. The people do not believe what he is saying. The Government shows a lack of vision and innovation. The most important issue in Ireland today is jobs. The way this Government is going, by the end of this year there will be approximately 500,000 people on the live register.

It did not include a single measure to address job creation in the recent supplementary budget. The proposals made by Fine Gael in its New Era document will create 100,000 jobs. We are seeking a reduction in the standard rate of VAT from 21.5% to 21% and in the lower rate, which is particularly important for labour, from 13.5% to 10%. We also want to impose an effective moratorium on employers' PRSI for a period of two years. These measures will ensure that jobs are retained and created.

The public does not believe the Government has the capacity to take us out of this recessionary wilderness. The executives of our banks have acknowledged they must be replaced and the Government should do likewise because it cannot preach that we must get rid of the bankers who brought us into this mess without admitting its own responsibility. The public expect an election and they are entitled to one.

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