Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Burton is another conspiracy theorist. I made sure I attended a dinner which had been arranged and which other people in previous positions, including people on the Deputy's side of the fence, had attended. It was a quarterly meeting to which people are invited. I spoke generally about the economy and all the rest of it. There was nothing specific about Anglo Irish Bank in relation to that matter. If the Deputies wish to go off and check with people, they should do so.

I am not here to answer anonymous claims by anybody. If someone does not have the guts to put up what they are saying so that we can see what is the motivation behind their words, it is very hard for me to answer them. I am making clear, however, that I have nothing to hide in relation to the matter. None of the stuff being relayed by whoever said it and which has been faithfully printed by some of the newspapers here is true.

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