Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

-----and vision. Even the survivors across the House who will walk back to their offices from here know in their hearts that what the Taoiseach has taken the most minimalistic approach to deal with the real problems facing our country. It is a rag upon a stick and it is a well used rag at that.

The Taoiseach has retreated from the challenge of leadership that fell upon his shoulders. He could have been courageous, taken a different approach and from among those on his own backbenches he could have reshuffled his Cabinet so that it would bring some semblance of life to an exhausted group who are fatigued and flattened. They are without ideas, energy, ideals or commitment. I do not wish to rain on the parade of the Ministers elect - Deputies Carey and Killeen - who in fairness have soldiered in the depths of winter for Fianna Fáil on many occasions, and for those promoted to the rank of Minister of State, which is a personal honour for them and their families. However, this Cabinet's time is doomed. The Taoiseach should show courage and seek a dissolution of the Dáil.

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