Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Fine Gael has the backs of the rack-renting corporate landlords, the financial speculators and those at the top. That is the Fine Gael way and today it proposes more of the same. Today is proof positive that we need change like never before. We need a new direction. We need a new Government that will put workers, families and communities first, a new Government with the determination to roll up its sleeves and get the work done to improve the lives of ordinary people. That is why we need a general election.

A better future is possible, a future where people can have a secure, affordable home, can see a doctor quickly when they are sick and can access proper hospital care if they need it; a future where life is affordable, where a job provides a decent living and where people can retire at 65 with a pension; a future where our young people get the chance they deserve at home, are not forced to emigrate for opportunity, and can build a good and prosperous life here with their family and friends. That is what change looks like and that is the change that people want. That is the change we need. Our future can be defined by equality, prosperity, and opportunity by building a strong, modern, vibrant, all-Ireland economy, by achieving energy independence and security, and the reunification of our country. None of this is beyond us. All of this is possible and can be achieved but it will not be achieved with Simon Harris as Taoiseach. It will not be achieved by this directionless Government staggering on for another year with no objective other than to stay in power.

Tá Simon Harris mar an gcéanna leis an té a chuaigh roimhe. An rud deireanach atá ag teastáil ó dhaoine ná Taoiseach eile ó Fhine Gael. Tá géarghá le holltoghchán anois. Tá Rialtas nua ag teastáil uainn. Tá athrú ag teastáil uainn. Another Fine Gael Taoiseach is the last thing that people need. We need a change of leadership and Government. The people must have their say. They should decide who forms the next Government. The trip that will be made this afternoon to Áras an Uachtaráin should not be to seek appointment as Taoiseach; it should be to ask President Higgins to dissolve this Dáil and call a general election.

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