What they said: Some quotes of the day from a day of savage cuts

“Our income tax system as it stands today is no longer fit for purpose.”

— Finance Minister Brian Lenihan warns workers

“Minister, what have you got against third children? Did some third child beat you up coming home from school as a young fella?”

— Michael Noonan, Fine Gael finance spokesman, savages the child benefit cuts

“It’s just not something that the population of this country will see it as fair or reasonable.”

— Congress chief David Begg concerned about public reaction

“Is this a ‘hit me now with the child in my arms’?”

— Mr Noonan directs his wit at Green TD Paul Gogarty, last seen on a public/political platform with his daughter Daisy in his arms as his party leader demanded a general election

“Minister you have added to the misery of children and poor families.”

— Barnardos chief Norah Gibbons gives Mr Lenihan a dressing down

“Many more people are going to be in poverty and if politicians or economists believe increasing poverty is the pathway to prosperity they are at the very least seriously deluded.”

— St Vincent de Paul’s John Monaghan

“One example is the fact that the proposed percentage cut in the minimum wage will be nearly twice the percentage cut in the Taoiseach’s gross salary.”

— Paula Clancy, director of left wing think-tank Tasc, highlights the imbalances in salary cuts

“I came out because I don’t want to look back in 10 years when everything has gone down the tubes and think I didn’t do anything. At least I can say I was here.”

— Sales rep Sandra Doran marched in protest to the Dáil for the first time

“There is every reason to be confident about the future of this economy and this country if we only have confidence in ourselves.”

— Mr Lenihan’s attempt to rally support at the end of his speech