Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)

If the Minister believed the statement the late Brian Lenihan made here, then coming up to the general election he should have told the people: "I believe Brian Lenihan. I believe the IMF deal is contingent upon us paying the bondholders. Therefore if you elect us into government, we are going to continue to pay the bondholders." If the Minister believed what he said, that is what he should have told the people but he clearly did not tell them. I do not think the Minister believes it - I certainly do not believe it because it is not credible. It may have been stated during the negotiations but there is nothing in the agreement. What is important is that we are being held to the agreement.

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