Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I support the call for a rolling debate on the economy. Senator Ó Murchú referred to this morning's opinion poll and he complimented those on this side of the House for not gloating. It is not a matter of opinion polls, it is much more serious than that. As a parent of three small children under the age of five, I am seriously concerned about their future. Last night, I attended a meeting where there were more than 60 parents and there is real concern about the future of the country. It behoves all of us as representatives to stop the tick-tacking and flaky talk and let us get down to the serious brass tacks of how we will get out of this crisis. I ask that of all sides of the House. Genuine offers are being made on this side of the House to engage with the Government parties to try to find a way out of this crisis.

The opinion poll reflects that the Government is not listening to the people. This weekend in City West, you will find, Senator Leyden, that you are not listening to your own members.