Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to Senator MacSharry's colleague. I have never been populist. I am sure Senator Leyden was well able to handle those Anglo Irish Bank tapes while he was in Strasbourg. We should remember, despite all of their contribution to the mess this country is in, that none of its representatives was present on the night of the bank guarantee.

I agree fully with Senator Comiskey on the Presidency. By any measure one cares to apply, it was more than reasonably successful. It is proper that the Taoiseach is in Strasbourg to address the EU Parliament today. As ever, I admire Senator Darragh O'Brien and his ability to jump on an issue.