Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I begin by stating the obvious. Ireland, like most other countries in the world, has experienced a severe economic downturn. What has taken place has not just been national, but international. In the past few days we have received reports that have analysed some of the reasons, and there will be further examination in future months and years. However, this is a vote of confidence in the current Government.

The people I represent want the discussion to be about the future, not the past. They want economic stability, banks lending again and the businesses that are cash starved, but with projects on their books, enabled to carry on their business. With such actions people get employment or their employment becomes more secure. To achieve this we need a Government not scared to do the right thing, even if it is the hard thing. We need a Government not scared of the backlash of public opinion for doing the right thing. We need a Government that will not fold on the first negative poll.

That brings me to look at what the alternative to what we have is and while I do not like to be personal, this motion is personal and so we must look to the main Opposition party. Even this week we have seen how Fine Gael reacts to one bad poll.