Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to outline the broad principles of the Government's budget strategy. It is clear from recent days that the Government has no idea about where it is going. Unlike the Government, David Begg gave a good and sensible analysis on last night's "Tonight with Vincent Browne". It is time that the Taoiseach addressed the nation to explain in simple English where we are and what is happening. I suggest that he should ask RTE to give him ten minutes from next Friday's "Late Late Show" so that he can make his address.

As Senator Ross noted, we are on the edge but I disagree with his contention that the actions of ordinary people are the reason for this. The bottom line is that workers are being penalised for the tax breaks given to developers and banks. The public are being forced to pay for the bad policies and transgressions of the party to which the Leader belongs.