Shane Ross (Independent)

Cronyism is practised by all sides and not simply by Fianna Fáil. I wish to ask one further question. I do not understand and perhaps someone can explain to me the reason the finance Bill must go through both Houses before an election is held. We do not. It is complete and utter nonsense to suggest this is necessary. It is camouflage and is a smokescreen being put forward by the Green Party to provide it and Fianna Fáil with more time. Moreover, since this morning's Cabinet meeting there is talk that the general election will not be held until April. This is a con trick being carried out on the electorate. The two parties are playing a little game, in that the Climate Change Response Bill and other Bills apparently are being dangled in front of the eyes of the Green Party. However, it will not get them until the Finance Bill is secured and as a result, the Government is waiting for something to turn up. There is no reason the Finance Bill should be obliged to go through both Houses. An election could have been held by now had the Green Party been genuine about it, and the Finance Bill could have had precisely the same timetable as it does at present. It is a ready-made convenient excuse. I ask the Leader to answer why we cannot have the election now and deal with the finance Bill afterwards.