Yesterday, I was somewhat encouraged and some confidence returned to me when I saw the response in the Chamber to the Budget Statement. Other commentators wondered why it was so muted compared to the usual Punch and Judy show we have on budget day. I took it as a sign of optimism that there is recognition on all sides of the House of the seriousness of the situation and the responsibility we all share to start addressing it. I listened to Deputy Michael Noonan and I very much empathised with his quoting Michael Collins on the need to grow again our country and have that sense of love returned to it. At lunchtime, I listened to the Taoiseach on the radio stating rightly that love of country is instilled in every one of our parties. We need to use this common cause - this common love and affection we have for our country - to provide clear and practical politics to help us out. As the Taoiseach stated, we cannot rely on false promises.

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