Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is pathetic. I am sure Sinn Féin Members will be here later to support Deputy O'Dea's motion without any expression of shame or guilt from them at the niggardly social welfare rates and supports they preside over in the North by comparison with the system we have built up in the State over the years. In fairness, Deputy O'Dea's party has supported that system. The day that Sinn Féin starts to reform welfare in the North and doubles the core pension payments there to bring them into line with payments in this republic is the day I start to take seriously its empty rhetoric of concern for those who depend on social protection for their incomes. They cannot run away from this forever. I am sure we will hear plenty of rhetoric from Sinn Féin Members who attend to address the motion later.

Fianna Fáil has designed the motion to deliberately mislead and upset pensioners in the most spectacular way. It is an objectionable initiative.

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