In the light of the immensely successful visits to this country by President Obama and the Queen of England and the re-establishment of very close links between friends, for which welcome and successful visits I congratulate the Taoiseach and the Government, I wonder if the Taoiseach might approach Europe with a greater degree of self-confidence, a quality that has not been evident in negotiations with Europe since the Government came to power. I ask this specifically because I read the statement today by the Minister of State, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, that the Government would back a European, specifically Ms Christine Lagarde, for the top position, now vacant, in the IMF.

I wonder why we would be inclined to do that. As the Taoiseach knows, Ms Christine Lagarde has taken a position that Ireland's corporate tax should rise and that we should not get a reduction in our interest rate. If we support the French Finance Minister, who has not been helpful, rather has been unhelpful in regard to our position with the IMF, we will support the movement into a position of power in a benign lender, the IMF, of a person who is aggressive against Ireland — as are most of the European powers who protect European banks. Our agenda and that of Europe on this monetary issue are at odds. If we support someone who is so hawkish against us we will corner ourselves.

Would the Taoiseach consider opposing the nomination of the French Finance Minister for the head position in the IMF, specifically because of her record, which is so hostile to Ireland?

The Government has not made a decision to support any person for the vacant position in the IMF. This matter has not been concluded or yet decided. It is an important, global position and the IMF has had an understanding attitude in regard to the challenge this country faces and has been forthright about it. Its spokesman in respect of the bailout given to Ireland, Mr. Chopra, has been, as one would say in Irish, "flaitiúil" about his language in this regard.

The decision on whether the appointee to the position of head of the IMF will come from Europe or elsewhere has not been made yet. It is fair to say that the French Minister for Finance articulates whatever the French Government's position may be. That is not to say that were she to be appointed to the IMF she would continue French Government policy. IMF policy may be very different to that of individual governments. It is a little early, therefore, to say who is in line for the position although the Minister, Ms Lagarde, has been mentioned as a strong runner. However, no decision has yet been made in so far as other blocs that will vote or give approval in this respect are still unclear.

I understand the Taoiseach's reply. Perhaps the Minister will change her mind when she changes her job. People often do that.

They do it over there too.

Mr. Rabbitte and Mr. Bruton.

Are you interested, Shane?

What have you in mind, Shane?

Before he makes a decision, will the Taoiseach ask Madame Lagarde what her position is, and will be, on corporate tax and the reduction of our interest rate before he decides what the position of the Government will be on her candidature?

Send her an e-mail.

The Deputy is right about people changing their views when they change jobs. I knew this would come around some time. I recall that, on 28 March 2004, Deputy Ross stated that Michael Fingleton's Irish Nationwide published what he termed a "cracking set" of figures.

Seven years.

As somebody said, you liked yourself since.

If he recalls, he followed that by saying, "All Fingleton's figures are spectacular. Pre-tax profits are up 20% and gross lending rose by 72%". The Deputy followed that with, "I should have bought into Nationwide. Anyone who has a spare €20 grand might still have time to carpet bag". That is just a gentle reminder.

We will now get an apology.

In any event, as Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan is in constant contact and has negotiating rights derived from EU leaders. He is in contact on a regular basis with the Minister, Ms Christine Lagarde. In the event she becomes the nominee or the person appointed to the IMF, her views in respect of Ireland's position on corporate tax, which, by the way, is not changing, will be discussed between her and the Minister for Finance.