Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

I thank Fergal Blaney for pointing out that while leader of the Opposition, our now Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, urged the then Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, to consider using tax powers to reduce the soaring price of fuel for motorists. He said at the time that he was disappointed that the then Taoiseach did not have an initiative with regard to the mix of excise duties and VAT to ensure that they were not used as a further battering ram against the hard pressed consumer. At that time a litre of fuel was €1.32. Is it not amazing how a person can change his mind? It is a very short journey from this side of the House to the other side, but it is amazing how a person's mind and outlook on everything can change so much when he crosses that short distance.

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