John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ó Clochartaigh must have joined Fianna Fáil, or must be about to, given his vociferous defence of it.

This budget is progressive and decent. It is a good start, it is prudent, and it sets the parameters for discussion and investment for the next three or four years. We should consider the record of those in government because past performance is an indication of future performance. Those who were in government before made a mess of things. We have been prudent. If we are to continue with that, we need to be returned to government next time in order to implement a full five-year programme. We will go to the people in the fullness of time.