Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole generally makes much sense, and it is very difficult to disagree with him on most of the issues he raises. His contribution this morning is no exception. I agree with him fully on the focus he has put on Senator Doherty's report to the Oireachtas committee, of which I am a member. It was very well received because it was very comprehensive. I looked at the number of people contributing to the report, most of them coming from Sinn Féin. I feel the document would provide a particular focus for us. I hope it can be brought before this House, so that we can have an opportunity to discuss it, especially in the context of the west.

I also agree with the point he made on the stand taken by Senator O'Donovan regarding the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008. Even though the Bill is coming from the Government, it is important that a person can stand up in this House and put forward ideas based on his or her own experience and knowledge. Senator O'Donovan has done an exceptionally good job on Committee Stage. Senator Doherty's document would give the House an opportunity to see this issue in its totality. Rather than just look at an isolated aspect, as is the case with the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008, we could look at the whole situation in the west.

I compliment Sinn Féin on its response to the economic recovery plan, the first phase of which was announced the other day. It has brought forward specific proposals and it is important that all political parties bring forward proposals at this stage. I had intended speaking yesterday, but I left it a bit late to do so. I was going to say that there is an absolute sea change in media coverage since the first phase of the economic recovery plan was put forward. There is great emphasis on responsibility. The Irish Independent is calling today for responsibility from the Government and the Opposition. This point is made on the front page and on the inside pages. It is a great development. We can now start to see light at the end of the tunnel. People are embracing the seriousness of the reality we now face. It is clear that if we do not do that, we have no hope of economic recovery. Senators will recall that in the first few days following the election of the US President, Mr. Obama, he was held up as a messiah — he could do no wrong. If they have been reading the newspapers over recent days, however, they will be aware that he is now dealing with the reality of his office in exactly the same way. While I have great respect for President Obama and admire him greatly, his glamour boy image——