Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute on the Social Welfare Bill. As politicians, we have a duty to put the right arguments. Unfortunately, the media is interested in spin and worst case scenarios. The Government has taken over a difficult situation, in that the country is bust. The Government has a majority and a job to do. We must be fair, upfront and honest.

Technical Group Members should not tell me about backbone, courage or whatever. I cannot return to my county of Roscommon because I took the right stand on Roscommon hospital.

See this speech in context