Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am impressed with these figures, which we do not often hear.

I met with the US Secretary of Commerce last year, and he said that his responsibility was to create an environment in which entrepreneurs could create jobs. The reason I mention this is that the jobs being created in Ireland are coming from indigenous industries and services. While we have relied to a large extent on foreign direct investment in the past, and we will continue to do so in the future, let us make sure we make our economy attractive to indigenous entrepreneurs, to those who are carrying out research and innovation, and to those who are creating those jobs and ensuring a successful economy in the future. Let us not talk ourselves into pessimism but maintain a certain degree of optimism, because I see a great deal about which to be optimistic in the future.

My family accuse me of being mean. They accuse me of being so careful with my money that I gather up 1-cent pieces that everyone else leaves behind and pay for my newspaper with them. I seem to be the only person who picks up 1-cent pieces.