Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

Certainly. Professor Philip Lane, professor of international macroeconomics, has a different view. I respect the fact that there is difference on this issue and that it is the function of the Opposition to oppose. One of the nation's strengths, which is acknowledged in international commentary, is the public debate on this issue as we have taken the appropriate actions in recent years. How can Senator Twomey claim we were fuelling the boom irresponsibly at a time when Fine Gael was advocating a reduction in stamp duty and increases in expenditure and salaries and all of that kind of thing?