Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

For a generation, our political system has been one of delusion and cute hoorism which is what has brought us to where we are, namely, a broken society, a broken country and an economy on the verge of total bankruptcy. We need to replace that system with politics of responsibility and courage. I am glad that much of what has been said here today has been clear, concise and full of commonsense. To put into two words the politics, project and priorities which lie ahead of us, those two words are "saving Ireland". Whatever we do in this and the other House during the course of the next few crucial weeks must be about saving Ireland. No greater task could be placed upon our shoulders. We will have to work together.

I welcome the intervention of my party leader, Deputy Kenny, yesterday afternoon when in an act of political courage and in the national interest he appealed to the Government to bring forward the budget and finance Bill and to begin laying the foundation of recovery. I appreciate the Taoiseach's comment that there may be technical issues arising from Deputy Kenny's suggestion. However, the proposal is worth reflecting upon. If we do not fill the void with political debate on the four year plan, budget, finance Bill and so on, the fears, as expressed by Senator Donohoe, will come to pass, namely, wilder forces will take over. Politics must take charge and that politics must be responsible and courageous, such as is being demonstrated in this House. I appeal to all colleagues to recognise the need to save this country.