John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

In an ideal world the Government would prefer not to have to take decisions of this kind but politics, ultimately, is about choices. Governments can choose between fiscal responsibility and irresponsibility and this Administration and the Minister for Finance have clearly chosen the former. The Government has made hard choices about how and where to spend money when resources are tight and, for me, the top priority in public spending for any Government must be to look after the needs of poorer people, those dependent on social welfare. By tradition social welfare increases are not provided for in the Book of Estimates but in the budget. I am confident that on 4 December the Minister for Finance will be generous to all those on social welfare and will ensure their living standards are maintained.