Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I have listened with interest to what my colleagues have said and agree with Senator Twomey that there is a sense of déjÀ vu. Senator Harris has caused a political disturbance by presenting us with a real image of where Ireland stands. I recall that 18 months or two years ago he predicted there would be almost 500,000 people out of work. Some of us sneered at the time and others jeered, but, sadly, he has been proved to be correct. He and others who spoke about Anglo Irish Bank are correct to say it is a national scandal of unprecedented proportions that almost €30 billion has gone down the tubes. That sum is approximately 1.5 times the current and annual budget deficit and the expected deficit next year and puts in focus the clear need for deficit reduction and reform. We in this House have a grave responsibility to tackle the economic crisis. Last night the President spoke about the importance of the House and its role. If we want to live up to our role and responsibilities as legislators, almost every discussion here in the next few months must be about economic matters, in particular job creation.

I wanted to say something different, original or important today, as we all do, but we never reach the appropriate heights. I read in the editorial in the Irish Examiner today an admonishment directed at the Members of the other House, but it is opportune for us to reflect on the same paragraph:

The 166 members face a challenge none of their living predecessors had to consider, a challenge. A challenge that requires a unity of purpose alien to our political culture and practice. Every last member of the Dáil must, from today, concentrate on the bigger picture. In this last chance saloon point scoring is more than a minor irrelevance, it is a poisonous distraction from the terrible challenges of the moment.

I ask all of my colleagues to reflect on this and respond accordingly and positively between now and Christmas in order that we can prevent the country from going down the tubes.