Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all those who contributed to this very important debate. I also thank the Minister for coming to the House to take it. As he indicated, this is the first opportunity he has had to debate this issue. I would have liked it if the Minister for Finance had come before the House last evening to respond to the Adjournment matter I had raised in respect of credit unions. It has been difficult to get the relevant line Ministers to come before the House and take responsibility for matters relating to their portfolios.

I compliment the Minister, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, on the passion he displayed during his contribution. On the Government's general approach, I wish to paraphrase an old political saying and say to the Minister, "Let me tell you why we don't trust you." I have no difficulty with him defending his honour and he is right to do so if he never made any false promise. However, I am somewhat bemused because I recall him making one statement to the media to the effect that he would not find it shocking or surprising that people would make promises during election campaigns and then turn their backs on them in the aftermath. I will not go so far as to say he endorsed that process, but he certainly did not seem to be terribly offended by it. That is what has offended many people here.