Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They can call as much as they like, they can cry and rant at the moon or even at the sun but one point is certain, namely, we are recovering from where we were and the position is much better than many Members had thought. I had expected that we would be in a much worse position financially and internationally by now but thankfully, we are in a better situation.

Whatever happens from now, I ask that those in the Opposition unite with the Government parties in pursuing what is in the best interests of this country. At the same time there should be an acknowledgement that there is a significant burden being carried by the Irish people, and as a result, we must work together. We must reassure each other and our colleagues in Europe. We must put our shoulders to the wheel, as we have done in the past two years, and continue to work for the good of the country.

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