Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

The global financial system is absolutely dependent on trust and confidence. We have worked very hard, particularly in the past six months. I also give credit to the late Brian Lenihan for some of the work he did to try to control public spending. I have always acknowledged that. I do not approach this in a mealy-mouthed fashion.

However, we have done enormous work in the past six months in trying to rebuild Ireland's reputation. It is not about being patted on the back or being told one is the best boy or girl in the class. It is simply a question of regaining and restoring credibility so we can aspire to regaining our economic independence and getting back into the financial markets in the near future, which is a prospect that does not exist for the Greek Government and the Greek people.

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