Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I join Senator Donohoe in asking the fundamental question of when the Government will tell the people the facts. Does the Leader agree it is wrong that it is the Governor of the Central Bank who is the one to admit to the people that the IMF, the ECB and the European Commission are coming in, not for a fireside chat but to direct operations regarding our economic sovereignty? That is the reality and the people should be told that. The uncertainty must be replaced by hope, a plan of action and a commitment to the people to create jobs. They are looking for the Government to be honest.

In response to Senator Boyle, the difference my party will make when we are on the Government side is we will take responsibility, assume leadership, give accountability and we have a plan and coherence which the Government parties are lacking. That is the reality.