Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I have listened with great interest to the contributions made from all sides of the House on what is a grave day in the country's history. We need to be clear, however, that victimhood is not a path to survival. I have heard some speakers blame the European Union and the media for what has happened, while others have blamed the private sector. None of these groupings has been elected to govern and lead the country; that is our responsibility. It is a privilege to do so if one is in government and our job if in opposition. It must be acknowledged that political choices made at home have caused this disaster, but it is also the case that political choices made at home can lead the country out of the crisis. It can still be done. Despite the gravity of the situation, in some ways, the truth is mundane. If a deal is done tonight or tomorrow morning, Ireland will be given time to sort out its difficulties. A solution will not be delivered today, rather the country will be given time. Those charged with delivering the solution are not the speculators, the media or the European Union and we should stop blaming these groups. We should grow up and accept that we are the people who will provide the solutions, rather than looking to others to do it for us.