Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

Deputy O'Donnell will not tar all of the party on this. It is apt that the Minister used the analogy of the bronze medal. Yes, the Government has responsibility for what went on but other people also have responsibility, including people outside the country. The only focus of the Opposition is on politics and policy. The place for politics and policy is at election time. Do not get too carried away by polls because last year, when The Irish Times had a party at 25% it received 15% in the local elections and I am confident it will happen again when the arguments are put forward to the Irish people. There is a complete lack of politics and policy.

Who started the auction in the general election? I clearly recall it was the Labour Party which stated taxes are down and will stay down, and an 18% tax rate.

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