Joe O'Toole (Independent)

There are things which can be done and everybody realises they have to be done. People should move forward.

The Taoiseach's statement last night is important and he should follow it with an acknowledgement of his understanding of how people are feeling uncertain about their futures. Everybody works to the limit of his or her salary whether it is small or large. If the amount is being constantly reduced, people look at the impact it will have on them. It is true that this is happening in the private sector as well as in the public sector - in many case the private sector is affected more. However, there are 1.8 million people working in this country, which is a fair basis for us to work our way out of this problem. We should be doing it together. I regret that people feel compelled to take certain actions, although I understand and support the thinking behind it. We need everybody to move and if everybody moves together the situation can be resolved.