Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A Chathaoirligh, the important point is that all of us who are committed in public life and those of us who are public servants recognise the importance of An Garda Síochána. Equally, however, the job of the Government is to govern and the current Administration is committed to protecting the economy and not going back to the old ways. When I hear Senator Ó Domhnaill lecturing us, I invite Members of his party to cast their minds back to when they were in government and the way in which they wrecked the country. Let us call a spade a spade. Collectively, we must make people's lives better. If that means a reduction in the universal social charge, USC, an increase in public services or a modest pay increase, then let us try to do that. However, let us not be a catch-all to everybody. We cannot give everybody everything they want and let us not try to do that because people do not believe us any more.