Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

In the midst of rhetoric, emotion and negativity, we all seek nuggets of hope and practical intent. Senator McCarthy's contribution was significant and should be considered. He has made it clear that it is possible to acknowledge our crisis and even to apportion blame fairly, be it internal or external. People will look to legislators to devise policies that will take us from this terrible crisis and return us to a situation, not necessarily akin to the Celtic tiger, in which we could ensure that all people would have a worthwhile quality of life.

I commend Senator Hannigan on his crusade on overseas aid. The connection between these two points is that we should remember that all suffering and pressures are relative and that some people will not benefit from Ireland's charity and support to the same extent as they did previously. Given that it does not usually fit in with a policy of political expediency, it is good to know that we are looking beyond our own challenges. In the final days of this House, we should use every minute to send out support and hope to the people we claim to represent. We were elected by them, not to cry and moan in the Chamber, but to give the leadership required of every Member. If the words of Senator McCarthy and the crusade of Senator Hannigan received exposure and publicity, we would finally have our foot on the road to recovery.