Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I want to raise the issue of the 350,000 public servants who are €3,000 worse off today than they were yesterday. People have contacted me who are very concerned about how they will pay their bills. These are people who are keeping money in circulation through spending, which is what we need to do in the economy. These people are terrified as to how they will make ends meet.

I resent Senator Boyle's criticism of the Opposition when he speaks about the nature of government being to govern and to lead. I have not seen any leadership or governing from this sad, tired Government. I resent the lecturing. I believe the last election was bought by the Taoiseach of the time, Deputy Bertie Ahern, by saying——