Eoghan Harris (Independent)

I strongly agree with a point made on the Opposition side and strongly disagree with a point made on the Government side. In both cases they should be non-partisan issues.

I was impressed by Senator Donohoe's contribution on the economy. It was in the great tradition of Alan Dukes's Tallaght strategy. There is an economic recession in the US and we have little control over economic structural matters. This economic crisis should not be a partisan affair. As this is a small country, we need all the intelligence and talent on all sides of the House to rally the troops.

I use the word "troops" deliberately because it is like a war. When one is winning in battle, it is easy to lead a charge or rout from the front. It is difficult, however, to rally troops when matters are poor. Senator Donohoe's contribution was made in a non-partisan spirit. In the same spirit, I want more activity by Ministers. It is not just the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance who should be out front. I want to see all officers on the battlefield rallying the troops out front in tackling the economy. Nothing else bothers the people but the economy — "It's the economy stupid." Everyone knows there is a recession and is nervous. We do not need Ministers to go missing at a time like this during battle. We need to see the officers on the battlefield.