Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

What has really frightened me in recent days are newspaper headlines concerning the forthcoming budget and the fact that it now appears the future of the Government is dependent on a number of Independent Members of Dáil Éireann. It is quite scary that Independent and maverick Deputies of all shapes and sizes can dictate the economic agenda of Government and the economic future of the country. This is why, even at this very late stage of the game, it should be very much part of the Government's agenda to debate very frankly with the Opposition parties the economic choices available and see whether some degree of consensus can be found. There is much good will on this side of the House and on the part of my party to try to work with the Government, if it offers some degree of economic leadership. I am frightened, however, at the prospect of a number of Independent Deputies, for whom their constituency and not the country is everything, will dictate what happens and what does not happen in December's budget. Let us play our part next week by reverting to an economic debate. At least we can debate the principles and see whether some degree of progress can be made.