Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)

I propose to share time with Deputies Clare Daly and Shane Ross. Is it not time to admit that the routine of being the best boy in the European class is not working? The mounting evidence, whether in Greece, the latest figures on Irish bond yields, the downgrading of Irish growth forecasts or the growing awareness that the European economy will contract, means that this is not working. No matter how much the Taoiseach submits, promises to be the best boy and imposes austerity, it is not working.

Is the postponement of the European Council meeting not symbolic of what is going on in the EU? Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy postponed the meeting so they can hatch a plan that suits their interests. President Barroso, who is an unelected Commissioner, orders the Taoiseach to Brussels to tell him what they have decided.

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