Could I ask the Taoiseach if there will be any new legislative proposals deflected into this Dail as a result of the agreement he has reached with Deputy Tom Gildea?
The Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn
There is no particular legislation proposed, but I think it would be fair for me to say to Deputy Quinn that if I am trying to seek the support of one new member, he seems to trying far harder with deputies to his left [Democratic Left].
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to applause from the Government benches. Mr Gildea, sitting on the Independent benches next to fellow Independents Mr Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South) and Ms Mildred Fox (Wicklow), smiled broadly.
The main difference between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is that Fine Gael looks out when the sun is shining and says it is going to rain in an hour, while Fianna Fail looks out when it is raining and says it is going to be fine in an hour.
The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith