John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Earlier we received indications from ESRI representatives about what they believe might happen to the structural deficit. Its presentation as a fait accompli by the Opposition is typical. The reality is EUROSTAT decides what will happen, not the ESRI. It has been universally accepted, other than by the Opposition, that the way the economy has been managed is the best means of restoring prosperity to the county. There are good news stories, but to present this one as a fait accompli and being the final word which is always negative is simplistic. We need a debate on the economy to tease out the issues involved, not to look at this in the context of a good bank, bad bank or whatever Fianna Fáil brings forward is wrong and whatever the Opposition will do will be right. It is not as simple as that; tough decisions were made.