James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I have no doubt that come February or March 2010, when we experience civil unrest, the Green Party will be forced out of office by good, decent people who have been crippled by its reign in power.

The midlands counties of Longford and Westmeath suffered the largest fall in VAT receipts last year and the position will be much worse in the next county survey. Since the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, closed Longford Barracks 12 months ago, 53 businesses have closed on the town's main street. In Mullingar, Edgeworthstown, Athlone and Granard the position is similar. It is the result of the failure of the Government to look after those it is supposed to represent and weak representation in the constituency of Longford-Westmeath by Deputies Peter Kelly and Mary O'Rourke.

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