Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

Indeed, it was. The same sentiment was there to a lesser extent in 2002 and indulging in it fattened the Government of the day. No one in this House can deny that had a bearing on the outcome of the election in favour of the Government at the time. Let us clarify some points. One cannot have one's loaf and eat it, although that belief was emanating from the other side of the House today.