Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Listening to Deputy Ó Caoláin reminds me of reading the Desperate Dan comic strip. He offered no solutions and all he put forward was a criticism and a rejection of the programme. I remind the members of Fianna Fáil that it was not the Fine Gael-Labour Government which capitulated on behalf of the Irish people, rather it was their party which surrendered our economic sovereignty. It was also their party which abandoned the principles of good governance and which failed the test with regard to oversight and regulation of the banks. It was Fianna Fáil which helped to propel us to the position in which we now find ourselves.

There is no ambiguity on this side of the House with regard to corporation tax or seeking a lower interest rate from the EU and the IMF. I agree with Deputy Calleary's assertion that we need a review of expenditure. Said review must be carried out in a manner that is honest and transparent.

Those opposite have commented on our dealings with the EU and the IMF. There is no one in the House who wants this country to be beholden to others for financial support. However, from where would the money we require come if it were not being provide by the EU and the IMF? What does default actually mean? How would those opposite make the necessary choices in respect of closing schools, not opening hospital wards, making gardaí redundant or not employing additional teachers? What would they do? It is not possible to traverse Europe waving one's flag and stating that one is for everything and against nothing. Sinn Féin has served in government in the North. Its members have made choices, negotiated and been responsible. Its representatives in this House should also be responsible and should work with us. They should assume the mantle of collective governance and work with the rest of us in the people's interests.

I am becoming tired of those who sit in the uppermost tier of seats on the far side of the House stating that it is they who have the concerns of ordinary people at heart. Those of us on this side are ordinary people. Every day we meet individuals - family members, friends, neighbours, relations and constituents - who are experiencing financial difficulties. You do not have a monopoly on care for the concerns of ordinary citizens. We all have a responsibility for it, so stop preaching to us on this side of the House.

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