Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

The reason I say that is that it is particularly important for us not to take our eye off the ball, which is the economy. I say genuinely that I regard those same polls as a very sobering experience for this side of the House. There is a temptation for the weak-kneed, when they come under fire, to retreat and to run but the real test of leadership is to hold one's nerve and stand one's ground. That would be the real test of leadership at this time.

The polls have given the people an opportunity to express their anger and frustration which, in fairness to the Opposition, it has echoed in this House on many occasions. I am not into polls because I believe they sway back and forth all the time. Perhaps this is a good poll for the Opposition; I do not know. However, it is interesting that there is an 86% dissatisfaction rate with the Government but that almost 50% of people did not favour an election at this time. That must be analysed.