Shane Ross (Independent)

It is an extraordinary situation. I do not apologise for making political points because this Government is somehow paralysed. It is constantly taking the cowardly course and refusing to take unpopular or, sometimes, popular decisions on its own. I ask the Government to start governing, accept the mandate the people gave it nearly two years ago and get on with it for the sake of the country.

Senators Feeney and Norris quite rightly referred to international eyes looking at us. They said our credit rating is in danger and the cost of borrowing is rocketing. That is a well recognised danger and they are right. It is costing us millions every day because nobody has confidence in this Government. That is the situation. Let us look at the real scenario that faces us. If this goes on it will not be a matter of paying too much money, or of paying millions more every day. Nobody will lend to us. That is what will happen next. If the Government does not face that scenario it will be a real disaster. We will not be able to write the necessary cheques.