Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This week, the Central Bank produced reasonable figures. I refer to slightly better unemployment figures, a small degree of growth in the economy and better economic projections. Why is this? As the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, said, the Government has implemented last year's budget and Finance Act. However, he does not tell too many people how vehemently he and his colleagues opposed the Finance Bill and the four-year plan. The Government wants it both ways. It wants two jerseys to be on both teams. It speaks out both sides of its mouth.

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