Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The longer this sham of a Government continues, the more unfortunate it is for our people and for our country. Last Sunday, the Sunday Times revealed two hitherto undisclosed meetings between the Taoiseach - both formerly, as Minister for Finance, and as Taoiseach - and Mr. Seán FitzPatrick of Anglo Irish Bank. I want to make it clear that I have no objection to the Taoiseach meeting people or playing a round of golf. What this does, however, is to cement in people's minds the close, cosy relationship between the Fianna Fáil Party, big business and bankers. In its own way, it has destroyed public confidence both in politics and in the future of our country. As a consequence, it has put so many people in fear, anxiety and financial difficulties.

On three occasions last year, the Taoiseach refused to say that matters about Anglo Irish Bank were discussed at a dinner function he had with the board of that bank. On 31 March, in response to a question from myself, he said he treated this with contempt. On 10 November, in response to a question from myself and Deputy Burton, he said he had spoken about the economy in general and that no matters relevant to Anglo Irish Bank were discussed at that dinner.

A book entitled The Fitzpatrick Tapes, published last Sunday, describes in some detail the setting of that last supper. The Taoiseach, flanked by Mr. Drumm and Mr. FitzPatrick, was given an account from the various sections of Anglo Irish Bank of the loan position and was informed that the NTMA did not wish to invest in the bank. The Taoiseach was asked to do something about this, to which he indicated he would look into it. The background to this has destroyed the confidence of so many people and it is for them that my concern is - the suppliers who are not being paid by subcontractors, the young mother whose father has Alzheimer's disease-----

See this speech in context