Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I am not sure why I was asked to contribute to this debate because all the Members have made up their minds on the motion, conclusively, which is always useful. I have a speech which I do not intend to read but which I hope will arrive one day in my biography as a very important contribution to this House.

One's time in politics is important, whether one is in government or opposition. We all have a job to do, on both sides of this House and in Dáil Éireann. We were all given a mandate. The people will make their minds up about us one way or the other. It will not be the Government touting its successes. Equally, it will not be the Opposition deriding the Government's programme. Ultimately, it is a matter for the people to decide.

One point made very forcibly by Senator Bradford was the importance of political stability. We have stability in the country now which was not there 12 months ago. This is not politics as usual. The two biggest parties in the State, Fine Gael and the Labour Party, have come together as a national government.