Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I rise having had conversations with a number of people in my constituency about how out of touch politicians are with people on the ground. I noted that when Mr. Cameron took power in the UK he immediately got rid of the state cars for Ministers living in the London area. I know that of the €15 billion we have to find it would be a small drop in the ocean but it would be a symbol and it is vital that we show solidarity and leadership and give example to the people we expect to have to deal with the most austere cuts on 7 December, if that is when it will happen.

A lady commented to me that the on their way to the meeting in Farmleigh the Ministers barely opened the car windows two inches to speak through their teeth to reporters.