Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Keaveney for sharing time. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, and thank him for being with us. It is a little boisterous and lively but he is used to that kind of debate.

I am delighted to speak to the amendment expressing confidence in the Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen. I hail from the same neck of the woods. Unlike Senator Phelan, I know the Taoiseach well. For my part, I find he is an honest man, a man of great integrity, not a man to mince his words. He stands behind no man or woman. He does not need to be prompted. He is certainly a man who loves his country and does everything in the interest of his country.

I feel sorry for Fine Gael and where they are this evening. I heard Senator Phelan state that Deputy Kenny is twice the man somebody over here was and I hope the party will remember that for Deputy Kenny tomorrow night——