I had not intended to speak, but, having listened to what I can only describe as diatribe from the Leader of the Opposition, I wonder who wrote it for her. It is clear that whoever it was has a wonderful imagination. Fianna Fáil, of which Senator Catherine Ardagh is leader in this House, wrecked the country's economy and wrought havoc on all of the people.

Action time.

She now has the temerity to stand up in this House and rewrite history. Her colleague used the word "gas", but-----

Fianna Fáil was egged on by the Senator's lot.

Let us return to the business of the day.

Senator David Norris loves to heckle others, but he does not tolerate any heckling himself.

I always tolerate heckling. I absolutely love it.

I put it to the House that the country is back on track thanks to the last Government. There has been a lot of pain for a lot of people and this Christmas we could give some people certainty about their tenancies and rents next year and the years to follow. Instead, however, we have Fianna Fáil brinkmanship - that is what I would call it - as operated by Deputy Barry Cowen. I remind the party across the floor that theirs is the party of Ray Burke and Bertie Ahern who made a comment on suicide about some people who were giving out about the economy at the time, who accused Deputy Bruton, when he warned about it, of economic treason and who encouraged people, in particular, young people, to get on the property ladder before they missed the boat. Let us get back to reality. Six months of work has gone into this strategy, in consultation with all stakeholders. That is from where the figure of 4% comes. However, Fianna Fáil and Deputy Barry Cowen have just pulled the figure of 2% out of the air. It sounds awfully like the language used by Anglo Irish Bank bankers, as I recall. Let us stop the brinkmanship if we can. Let us give people some certainty for next year. If we mean "Happy Christmas", let us try to make it a little happier for those who find face uncertaintyi n having a roof over the heads next year.