Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

When the election was over, health boards were abolished and free medical cards were handed out to anyone who wanted one. Having provided them, the then Government callously and cynically took them back. The same individuals are saying the people are cynical about politicians. I am not surprised that they are. We then hear that we are all the same, that we are as bad as Fianna Fáil. Poor old Fianna Fáil is selected, but that party had colleagues in government, it was not alone. We are not all the same and do not wish to be. In future let us remember one thing: this budget was forced on the Government and the people through necessity and there is nothing left. It is not just that Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard is bare, the hinges have come off and the cupboard is also gone.

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