Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The report said that the groceries order put a floor under grocery prices — it did predict lower prices — but refused to be drawn on their extent or the speed at which they would occur. In my own press releases and statements I have said that I have not been drawn, and will not be lured into the trap of giving a sum and — in the style perhaps of Eddie Hobbs, or the Competition Authority — saying it will do X by a particular time. There are other factors and variables contributing to price variations and controls. What I have said is that the groceries order kept prices artificially high and that if we left it in place it would continue to do so.

I am intrigued by Senator O'Toole's comments, since he is the son of Dingle retailers. I take on board the comments of someone with such experience and with the innate wisdom given at birth to those born in Dingle.