Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I would argue it is about the difference between genders as to which one gets drunk first and who sobers up first. The reality is that we stand on the strength that we gained through our economic experience.

I appeal to all Members of this House to recognise that, given the global context of what we are involved in, we cannot rely on outside assistance to get us out of these difficulties. There is a need for cohesion and a degree of bipartisanship. I do not say that the Government should be above or beyond criticism regarding many economic decisions. Where these relate to the very fabric of how we operate as an economy, however, there is a responsibility on all of us to put our best foot forward. We must be honest with the people as to what we can achieve and how we can get to where we should be, under current circumstances. I look forward to a more detailed debate this evening on whatever legislation will be presented to us. It is an important first step in making that recovery.