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Senator Mark Daly: The events of the past few days show that those in opposition which, according to all predictions, will soon be in government want to have their cake and eat it. They could have had an election if they wanted it. They could have pulled the plug and not agreed to withdraw their motions.

Senator Mark Daly: They could have had their cake and eaten it. They could have had an election. They could have turned around and said yesterday they would not support the proposals and the election would have taken place.

Senator Mark Daly: Will the Leader ask the Minister when he comes into the House to deal with the issues discussed yesterday how those in opposition who voted against the budget could have had the budget thrown out? They could have caused an election yesterday. They could have had all those issues which they said were an abomination and with which they disagreed dealt with. That could have happened yesterday, but they did not do it. That is why politics in Ireland, including those in government and opposition, is looked upon with such disdain by the public. Last week the Opposition parties wanted an election. They could have had it yesterday, but they did not pull the trigger. Why? They did not have the courage to do so.

Senator Geraldine Feeney: Hear, hear.

Senator Mark Daly: Politicians are supposed to have courage.

Senator Mark Daly: They could have introduced their own budget.

Senator Mark Daly: They could have caused an election yesterday.

Senator Mark Daly: They could have caused the budget to fall——

Senator Donie Cassidy: This is the young Senator from County Kerry.

Senator Mark Daly: but they choose not to do that either.

Senator Geraldine Feeney: Hear, hear.

Senator Mark Daly: They are the Government-in-waiting.

Senator Mark Daly: We all have an interest in ensuring the civil partnership provisions are put in place. However, the Opposition parties demanded that the legislation be guillotined. If we had asked for it to be guillotined, they would have lambasted us. However, they now insist that it be guillotined.

An Cathaoirleach: The Senator has made his point.

(Interruptions).

Senator Mark Daly:    They are also ensuring that the bankers’ bonuses issue will not be addressed.