John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Following on from Senator O'Donnell's contribution, the reason for the anti-Government sentiment is purely because of what is perceived as a disconnect between the Government and ordinary people in rural Ireland and in our cities. When we went into government, people were willing to pay so much to address the finances of this country, but I do not think they have the capacity to pay for everything. I do not think we can ask ordinary people to pay completely the bills for bad banking and so on.

I congratulate Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan on an extraordinary result in the elections for the European Parliament.