Joe O'Toole (Independent)

In the PPF there was also a condition that economic growth would be of the order of 5.5% on average. There was a row over whether it had to be 5.5% per year or 5.5% on average. I argued it was 5.5% on average while he argued it was 5.5% per year. The nature of these things is such that one learns to change the words the next time around. On the question of priority there was a concession on our part, which I did not like making, that it be subject to economic development and growth. The real issue would be the order of priorities.

I tend to be optimistic in terms of the economy and on the question of inflation. It would be good to have it on the record that the issue of the minimum wage would be at the top of the Government agenda. The Minister could surprise many on the left if he were to put pensions and the minimum wage at the top of his list of priorities. There are a number of issues which depend on growth.