Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The great Kerry philosopher and writer John B. Keane once said a Kerry footballer with an inferiority complex is one who thinks he is just as good as everybody else. Now a Sinn Féin Deputy with an inferiority complex is one who thinks he will only top the poll and bring in one running mate. The polls and Sinn Féin's suggested popularity have gone to the heads of its Deputies. They crave an election. We can see it. They are mad to get out there and mad for power. It has gone to their heads. They have even introduced the McDonald's Happy Meal at $2,000 a place, but you do not even get a toy at the end of it. It is clear from the way they are carrying on they think they are in government already.

This evening is about more theatre. Last week they wanted an emergency budget. This week they want a general election. Of course, that would put back an emergency budget by months and months, but they do not care because it is all about the theatre and all about putting party before country. We are different and have always put the country before our parties, and that is the way we will carry on. Sinn Féin constantly talks down this country and the Irish people. When it does that, it does a disservice and dishonours our parents, our grandparents and our great-grandparents who fought to build this country into one of the strongest democracies in the world. That is the way it will remain. We will not bow down to, bend to or back off from Sinn Féin. The party of Gerry Adams will never defeat the party of Michael Collins. I commend the motion to the House.

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