It is fiction, because what we want to do is get on with the business of bringing forward the four-year plan . . . I spoke to the Taoiseach this morning, I spoke with the Minister for Finance, and absolutely nothing is taking place in respect of this.– Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern on November 14th dismissing speculative reports of an imminent bailout for Ireland.
. . . lies . . .Pat Rabbitte's term for the succession of Government denials during the week regarding bailout talks.
At the request of the Irish authorities, an IMF team will participate in a short and focused consultation, together with the European Commission and the ECB, in order to determine the best way to provide any necessary support to address market risks.– The truth, via an IMF statement, November 16th.
What we're involved in here is working with colleagues in respect of currency problems and euro issue problems that are affecting Ireland, they're affecting other countries. They're particularly affecting Ireland at the moment . . . there has been no question, as has been stated all over the weekend, of a negotiation for a bailout.– Taoiseach Brian Cowen to the Dáil, November 17th.
We've got to play poker over the next couple of days to see what cards these people have to play, what exactly they have in mind. We would like to see the colour of their money.– Minister for Enterprise Batt O'Keeffe
The 12½ per cent corporation tax rate is non-negotiable.– Tánaiste Mary Coughlan