Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

However, the taxpayer is a lot stronger than the Taoiseach might believe. Why did the Government not start with na daoine láidre who are earning €100,000 per annum or more? It is always the same with the Taoiseach, who looks at the ordinary people, appears to see a euro sign and thinks they will take all the pain. Chuala mé an Tánaiste ar an raidió ar maidin agus silím go bhfuil sé suas sna scamaill nó suas san aer. Tá sé ann since an toghchán dhá bhliain ó shin. In light of the austerity the Government is visiting on the people at the behest of our European friends, should Members be promoting German in the Chamber today or perhaps the language of other people to whom we are bound? Why did the Taoiseach not start with those who could take the cuts before ever revisiting Croke Park? Is maith leis an Taoiseach an pheil and he is a good footballer. While he likes Croke Park from that perspective, why did he not go after those who can take the pain, namely, senior public servants, former politicians, retired taoisigh agus daoine mar sin before going after the ordinary people? Cén fáth?

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