Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

The eyes of the world are on us, yet we walked away from the Chamber at 8.30 p.m. last night. I expect we will be here until midnight tonight and I expect the House will give due diligence to this Finance Bill. The complaints I heard about the guillotine being imposed by the Government of which I was a part, ring hollow now. I respect the fact that the Opposition wants an election, we all want it and the country wants it but we have to give due diligence and due respect to this Bill, and not cherry-pick it.

The Opposition has stated it will table amendments on the civil partnership provisions and this is another issue with significant consequences and costs for the taxpayer in the future. That was rushed legislation and the Greens are pronouncing that they achieved it. Good riddance to bad rubbish in Government, so far as I am concerned. I have said many times that they were a dangerous party in Government. Ideology is fine and they can talk about policies but look at the price of petrol at the pumps. Thankfully, our coursing festival is being held in Clonmel next week. I invite each and every Member, if they have an hour to spare on Sunday or Monday to come down to enjoy that festival of rural pursuits at their best and an important industry which attracts foreign investment.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his co-operation and I thank all colleagues, staff and officials for being nice to me while I served in this Dáil.

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