There was “huge acceptance” among the Irish people on the steps that were needed to restore the economy, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan told a post-Budget news conference at Government Buildings tonight.
However he acknowledged that Fianna Fail had made “serious mistakes” in its handling of the economy prior to 2008 but added that the Opposition was also open to strong criticism for its approach at the time.
At the start of the news conference the Minister noted that the Government had just achieved an “absolute majority” of 82 to 78 in the first Dail vote after the Budget. He was tied-up with media interviews when the vote was held: “I didn’t vote myself or the Government would have had an even greater majority.”
Asked if he felt any sense of shame at Fianna Fáil’s record of managing the economy, he replied: “Fianna Fáil have been in office in this country since 1997. Throughout the decade from 2000 to 2008, very substantial increases in expenditure took place which were supported by all of the political parties in the House.”
He said it was “a very pejorative question” and added: “I’m very proud of the work I have done over the last two and a half years. I faced an extraordinary financial crisis in this country. No finance minister since the foundation of the State had to meet an equivalent crisis.
“I have introduced four budgets and I think there is a huge acceptance among the Irish people of the steps that are needed now to ensure there is genuine and sustainable recovery in this economy.
“And I have made it quite clear that mistakes were made. I have never concealed that from the public. Serious mistakes were made, prior to 2008, I accept that and I have never taken issue with that,” he added.
