Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I second the motion. This has become a political issue since the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform put his two big feet in it in September. Having neatly shafted one of his party's most popular politicians — which made him the most unpopular party leader — he announced his views on stamp duty at a press conference after his alleged party think-in. The only problem was he had no real proposal for it. I suspect the idea came from cleverer sources in his party. Nonetheless, he has now backed himself into a corner. It was amplified by the muddle the Government parties were in last night and this morning over the motion. It is most unusual that a Private Members' motion, on the day it is to be debated, does not have an amendment on the Order Paper. This pathetic amendment from the Government parties only came on a Supplementary Order Paper this afternoon. Until 1 o'clock they were in a huddle deciding which way to go on the motion. Seven days before the budget and they do not have a position.