Cabinet talks - We need real leadership to reverse ills

Cabinet ministers met at Farmleigh House yesterday to focus on the economy in the hope of arresting the downward trend evident in the recent rise in unemployment figures, as well as the increase in State borrowing.

In addition, the current rate of inflation threatens to damage our competitiveness.

There are inevitably going to be cuts, but those cuts should not be put on the backs of the poor, or those less well off in our society, which is the case in cutting health services to public patients.

The Government should afford proper leadership by cutting back on its own profligacy, whether it is on jets, make-up or chocolates.

It was fitting that the Cabinet should hold the meeting at Farmleigh House, rather than at Government Buildings.

This meeting should be seen for what it really was another vile example of lousy leadership, of this Government's contemptible extravagance and naked hypocrisy.

Was Farmleigh House purchased, at a cost of over €29m, as a Government meeting place?

The sick are being told to endure their infirmities and the electorate is being screwed by the most dishonest and disreputable Government that this country has had to endure since the foundation of the State.