Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

If, as he says, this respect is reciprocated I want to tell him very sincerely that in my 25 years in politics I have been beholden to nobody. Every decision I ever made in the privileged positions I held in this and other offices has been in the best interest of my country as I saw it. I accept that in a democratic debate, irrespective of how arduous or tough it may be, people may hold contrary opinions but I will not be accused of seeking to commit treason against my country.

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