Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We have also pointed out that it is important to lead from the top and the front and deal with the issues of the Houses, this Chamber, Government, the cost of governance and the way it operates. A story is circulating that the Cabinet has discussed the abolition of the Seanad by referendum on the day of the general election. This is some conversion on the road to Damascus if it is true, as the Taoiseach and his Ministers have vehemently rejected the proposal during the recent period.

Fine Gael in government will tackle the deficit, not because we believe in austerity, but because Ireland can regain its sovereignty only by returning to the international money markets as soon as possible. Almost two years ago, the Taoiseach informed the House, "as long as I am running this Government I will run the Government as I see fit".

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