John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Professor McHale spoke about the political influence and decisions that had led us into our sorry state of economic catastrophe. He implied that populist decisions had been made and whoever shouted loudest during Fianna Fáil's 14 years in government had received the biggest handouts. The tax base had been reduced to such an extent that, when the crisis arrived, Ireland was affected disproportionately. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin want to do the same again. The Opposition parties will state they must follow their people and see where they are going. This is the leadership the Opposition is offering, which is constantly evident in the contributions of Fianna Fáil Members. The contributions of Sinn Féin Members are hardly worth mentioning because they are all over the place.