Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We can build such an Ireland, that is capable of meeting our ambitions for our children and their future in this country.

I remain open to the possibility of a broad measure of agreement on the details of a pathway to recovery and am very open to hearing and acting on sound proposals that may be aired in this debate.

However, I stand before the House in the full knowledge of my own responsibilities as Taoiseach and I will do my duty. I will discharge my responsibilities to the best of my ability. I will do so with my Government colleagues in the best interests of the country at this important time. I trust this debate will be a constructive and solid contribution to meeting the challenges our country faces at present.

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