Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We took the difficult decisions. I accept that people got hurt but we are ensuring we can create the necessary jobs in order that people in this country can get back to work and to give them an opportunity. One could ask whether Sinn Féin and the Independents want that. No, they want to see poverty and protest, protest, protest.

I heard Deputy Mary Lou McDonald talking about catchphrases. The Sinn Féin catchphrase is protest, protest, protest and to have protest meetings. Protest meetings do not resolve anything. A strong Government resolves issues. When we came into Government in 2011, the people of this country were frightened for their families, jobs and future. They wondered what would happen in the country. I compliment the Tánaiste, Deputy Joan Burton, and the Labour Party on the part they played in the revival of this country, not for the first time and not for the second time. This is about the fourth time Fine Gael and Labour had to save the country because of Fianna Fáil. If Sinn Féin gets into Government, I do not think I want to live in this country. I love this country and I love the people in it. I do not think the people of this country will make the mistake of putting Sinn Féin in government.

Let us speak about tourism. In 2011 when the Government came to power, tourism was in disarray. More than 220,000 are employed in tourism in every corner of this country. The Gathering was a success. The Wild Atlantic Way was a success. The greenways were a success. As Minister of State with responsibility for sport I have rolled out two rounds of the sports capital programme and we will have another round. Those in opposition do not want to see anything happen. The media has a job and a role to play. Many positive things are happening. I cover every corner of this country and I see Irish men and women with hope, confidence and an investment in this country. Many good things are happening in tourism, sport and volunteering. People are prepared to put their shoulder to the wheel to help young people in this country.

I say well done to the Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, and the Tánaiste, Deputy Joan Burton. We will continue to do what is right for this country. Protest, protest, protest will not resolve anything.

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