Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do believe in debate and discussions; I always have. I have engaged in them. By the way, I think it is good that the Government has gone full term; I have been very consistent on that. It allows us to do policies on a medium- to long-term basis which is good for the country. I think having elections every two years would be bad for the country and would be disruptive. I note the Deputy's comment that the people have waited five years. People expect governments to go full term. Generally speaking, they want governments to go the distance and then we have an election when people can adjudicate in respect of what a government or an opposition brings forward in policy terms as an alternative. Different methodologies can be used such as the debating formats, interviews and so on. I have no involvement-----

See this speech in context