Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The mood of the people ranges from deeply concerned to terrified in terms of the economic situation the country now faces. They recognise that a significant element of this is because of poor Government, bad judgment and obscene wastage of their money. This morning we heard from the European Commission that most of the sacrifices made by the people have now been frittered away in terms of payment for the banks. The Fine Gael Party is not tied to any particular group or sector. Its only interest is in the people and country of Ireland. Obviously, others will the same.

Yesterday, I received a letter from the leader of the Green Party, a minority party in government, requesting Fine Gael's participation in a forum seeking consensus on the approach to be taken to deal with the economic situation we face. The Fine Gael Party has for more than a year accepted the need for a reduction to 3% in debt ratio by 2014 and has stated that this should be front-loaded. We agree with the production of a four year fiscal plan in this regard. We believe that is constructive. The Labour Party holds the same view in terms of the main targets and objectives in this regard.

The leader of the Green Party has put forward his view that there should be a consensus on the approach to be taken towards the fiscal and economic situation in which we find ourselves. Was the letter sent by the leader of the Green Party issued on behalf of the Government? Does it have the Taoiseach's imprimatur?

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