Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies again for their contributions. I get the feeling that the prospect of a resolution of this problem does not fill the Deputies' hearts with joy. Some of the things that were said here this afternoon were foolish and unhelpful to a resolution. I would have expected every Deputy to join me in welcoming the fact that both parties have now gone back to the WRC. That is a very healthy development. It is exactly what we have been looking for. It offers the only prospect of success. I do not think it is a genuine or helpful addition to the debate that is going on outside this House for Deputies to come in here and indulge themselves in condemnations and clichés. I hope the debate in question will intensify at the WRC tomorrow.

I would like to answer some of the questions that have been asked. While much of what the Deputies have said is quite genuine, they have to accept the bona fides of people who think differently. Deputy Barry suggested that I am the "most unpopular" Minister in the country and that I am not very popular in certain areas. I remind him that I am not here to be popular. I am here to make the right decisions. I am not here to jump on bandwagons or to stir discontent before riding on the back of it.

I am here to make decisions which I think are in the interests of the taxpayer and the travelling public. That is my job. I was in opposition for a long time and understand from where Deputies are coming. I do not intend to be popular by uttering the same clichés.

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