Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

That is all right. I listened to the comments of many speakers and it is evident we are still on the blame game. I want to get away from that. Of course we have to blame the banks and the Financial Regulator who misrepresented the solvency of the bank. They have damaged the reputation of this country but let us get away from that. I would welcome an ongoing debate on the economy where the points raised by many speakers could be discussed at length.

I do not know what fairness is anymore. I do not understand the word "fair" because it keeps changing with the mood of whatever new statement comes out. It changes by the day. I do not believe for a minute that the Opposition would call any budget that is introduced fair, because that is in our nature. It will not be fair because the Opposition will want to object to it in some way. Let us get that phoniness out of the way.

I spoke previously about the need for an ongoing debate on societal change — Senator Donohoe referred to the matter again this morning. Society and work are changing. I spoke this morning to a lady who is now working a three-day week. I asked her how she is spending the other two days and she explained that she intends to help a very ill neighbour who lives down the road. What a lovely concept is coming out of this difficulty. Perhaps it is time for us to look at society. No matter what area of life a person is in, he or she has pain and we should work together. That is all I ask. I do not want any more negativity, which is prevalent. We must try to bring hope. Everybody has different concepts of how the future will shape up but let us try to work it out together.

I agree totally that we should have an ongoing discussion on the economy. I agree that there is a need to tease out and have further discussion on many points raised by Senator O'Reilly.

I will not condemn the new appointment to the bank because I know nothing about him.