Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

People must recognise that our economic circumstances have changed and that we are living in a different world. We must be careful with how we shape our views in respect of the country's future.

The nature of employment and the future of society are changing. The world economy will dictate the kind of jobs that will be available. We must examine our position with regard to the nature of employment. Do people still want to operate on a nine-to-five basis? The various Departments, particularly the Departments of Education and Science and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will be obliged to consider how we might upskill employees and how we should deal with those making the transition from secondary school to work. I would love to be involved in the work to be carried out in this regard.

Young people are angry because they cannot obtain employment. I am concerned about this, particularly because I was involved in the area of education and previously dealt with young people making the transition from school to work or from school to third level education. Research must be carried out in respect of how we might shape the future of society. We cannot base our models on those which obtained in the past whereby people pursued apprenticeships in various trades. We must change our thinking. I hope the Government will reflect on its programme and take into account the strong views expressed by the electorate during the campaign.

I took part in the canvass in Dublin South and I spent a great deal of time talking to people on their doorsteps. They put forward many fine ideas which I have since brought to the attention of my party.

Fianna Fáil had some fine young candidates who ran in the local elections. These individuals will stand for election again because of their age and that they are vibrant and have already run the course. They will be ready when the next local elections are held.

Fianna Fáil has three years to put matters right and I am confident that it will do so because it is the kind of party that reaches out to people. I respect democracy, the decisions of the people and the performance of the Opposition. I congratulate those in opposition on the great performance of their candidates. I will always be gracious in that regard. However, I do not want people to dictate to the House and state that there is only one way forward and that is their way.

I hope the Departments with responsibility for creating employment and developing the education system will do what is necessary. Modern technologies represent the way forward. We may be obliged to consider the process of electioneering, particularly in the context of how it might be developed for the future. Perhaps we might be obliged to move away from the old-fashioned pastime of knocking on people's doors. I do not know whether it will be necessary to do so but the jury is out. There is certainly a need for us to engage in a brainstorming exercise in respect of these matters. I would be delighted to be involved in such an exercise. I want to save Ireland and ensure that the people who live here have the best quality of life. I want to make a positive contribution. I do not wish to engage in nastiness.