Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Perhaps the spending commitments made by Fine Gael and the Labour Party, in particular, are not to be taken seriously. However, if they do not involve a ramping up of expenditure, I am unsure what is involved. It may be that they propose some hidden countervailing cuts. I have stated at local level that the decentralisation programme which comes under a barrage of attack at national level is at risk. I will ensure the people in my constituency understand this well before they come to vote.