Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

-----whether as Taoiseach, Minister, Minister of State or Deputy, have a primary duty to serve all of the people to the best of our ability. Each of us has been entrusted with a responsibility by our respective communities to provide leadership and to make Ireland a better place. As we deal with the impact of the worst global recession in our lifetimes, we are demonstrating leadership. It is no time for soft options, quick fixes or political expediency.

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