Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I support this motion. There is anger and disbelief at the economic treason carried out by a few in this country. People do not want blood or heads to roll but answers and those responsible to be held accountable. Those responsible were rewarded for their failure and corruption with golden handshakes. A property bubble was in place in which we were selling overpriced houses to one another and felt we were on top of the world while the Government failed to act. When the property market failed, the people suffered.

There were protests by students outside this House today, just like those several years ago by senior citizens. I commend them for this because they are feeling the brunt of the economic hardships brought on us by the Government.

They should also protest outside Anglo Irish Bank's headquarters where the real power was during the property boom. Then, Ireland was not a democracy but an oligarchy, a country run by a cabal of select individuals and groups. We have paid the price for this.

What is needed now is a Parliament that will hold its Members responsible and a democracy in which everyone counts and that will give hope and leadership to everyone. I believe the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance are decent and honest. All the people want them to do is to put their hands up and admit they got it wrong instead of putting their heads in the sand. Politicians must be accountable and the people want answers from this Parliament.

I received a letter from a constituent today whose business overdraft has been limited to €20,000. Six jobs are now riding on him getting his overdraft extended. While I know the banks must repair their balance sheets, we must assist small businesses such as this. We must also stand up to the vested interests which got us into this economic mess.

I commend the motion to the House.

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