John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)

It is impossible to argue any longer with any sense of credibility that one by-election should be held but that the other three should not. People in the Government have argued that by holding a general election there would be a risk to the country of instability at a time when we are struggling to maintain our economic sovereignty. However, there was a distinct element of truth in what former Deputy, Jim McDaid said recently. He stated that the Government was not in a position to make the necessary decisions any longer because of its slim majority in the Dáil. He asserted that the Government was shying away from what needed to be done. Given the political instability with which we are dealing now I do not believe the vital, necessary decisions which affect this country's future can be made. A divide or separation is necessary between political self-interest and self-preservation and the potentially career-ending decisions the country needs now. I do not believe, nor do the international markets, the Government has the fortitude or ability to make these choices any longer.

In recent days the political dynamic has changed. Until two days ago, an argument was being made that by-elections or a general election would destabilise our economy in some way. This has now changed and a majority of people now believe, rightly, that if there is no immediate change of Government, more harm than good will result. This is something the Independent gentleman to my right and the son of another Independent Deputy will find out the hard way.

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