Eoghan Harris (Independent)

I did not mean to pick out Mr. Tubridy or any other RTE presenter. We all come up with excuses.

The truth is the Taoiseach was correct to cut into the public sector. His one mistake was that he did not cut more deeply. He will have to do so in the future. I predict that the shortfall in Exchequer revenues will be in the order of €25 billion rather than €18 billion. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, on providing us with a lucid and well-written document which sets out clearly the state of the public finances. I disagree with some of its content but I commend him on its clarity.

The recession is a grim reaper that is throwing a searchlight into every corner and crevice of society. It has revealed the weaknesses in the banks. It has revealed the cushioned nature of the public sector. It has revealed the profiteering of the professional classes. One calls to mind the Mahon tribunal in this regard. Above all, the recession has revealed a society in denial. Almost every taxi driver, small builder and tradesman seems to have purchased a second house either at home or abroad. It is a lie to pretend the entire middle and working classes did not benefit from the Celtic tiger. The evidence remains physically around us. It is ridiculous for us to seek a few scapegoats in the form of politicians and others. We in the public sector must make a start in bearing the brunt of the pain. I agree totally with Senator Boyle in this regard. We should offer the public something between 25% and 30% of our salary and expenses before the public takes it from us.