David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in congratulating the Ireland cricket team on its remarkable victory. The team has enjoyed wonderful success in recent years, including defeating England, the home of cricket. What the Ireland cricket team is doing is indicative of a remarkable cultural change in this country. There used to be quite a bitter antagonism here in respect of sports such as cricket and rugby. The latter is flourishing, particularly in the context of working-class teams in Limerick, etc., but cricket is only just coming out of the shadows. This is very welcome because it shows the cultural diversity that exists in this country.

I strongly welcome the fact that the yield on ten-year Irish bonds has fallen below 1% for the first time. Some years ago the yield stood at 14%. It is a remarkable turnaround. I disagree strongly with the Government in respect of its economic policies and analysis and am of the view that we need a far more radical approach than that which is currently being pursued. All the financial institutions should be scrutinised and the ratings agencies should be disestablished and publicly discredited. However, we are now so far embarked on the process relating to this matter it seems that the best and wisest course for the country is to leave the Government in place. I say this with some reservations but it seems that having gone so far down this avenue and reaped success within the limits of the financial system which circumscribes the Government's actions, it would be foolish to change horses in mid-stream. I hope, therefore, that this Government is returned to power at the next election. I also hope that here will be a very strong Fianna Fáil-led Opposition.