Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I know the schedule is very busy but it is important we have a debate prior to the summer recess on the present state of the economy and to consider the past manifestos of the parties from the previous general election. The Fine Gael manifesto for the 2007 election stated:

Our manifesto commitments are fully costed and affordable in the context of the prudent budgetary assumptions drawn from the most authoritative economic sources. The Economic and Budgetary Framework agreed with Labour provides for continued government surpluses, and a reduction in net debt to below 7% of GDP by 2012.

Deputy Richard Bruton is no Nostradamus and contrary to the claims-----