Dúirt Siad > Joan Burton/Susan McKay, Celia Larkin, Gerry Adams

Joan Burton

Joan Burton should have been made Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. She was not. Why? Because a man wanted the job. Not a better qualified man. Not even an equally qualified man. Burton, an accountant, has been Labour’s finance spokeswoman for nine years. She is tough, not least because she’s taken part in far too many meetings at which she was the only woman. Brendan Howlin has no significant experience of finance but he’s a man. A safe pair of balls.

– Susan McKay, Director, National Women's Council

Celia Larkin with former partner, ex-Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern

The battle for leadership of the Opposition has well and truly begun. And, without question, round one goes to Gerry Adams .

The Taoiseach announced that the Dáil would sit on Tuesday next, March 15, but that he wouldn't take oral questions. The words were only out of his mouth when Gerry Adams, leader of Sinn Féin, was on his feet questioning the purpose of convening the house if the Taoiseach proposed not to allow oral questions. Good question. Fair point.

Mícheál Martin followed on, stating that TDs needed to know that something of substance would be on the agenda and convening the Dáil was not just an exercise in optic politics. Also a good point but made a shade too late. Adams had struck the first blow, and an impressive one at that.

– Celia Larkin, Sunday Independent

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You can be sure of one thing with Sinn Féin: it will be well-researched, well-briefed and well-rehearsed on each and every issue that comes before the 31st Dáil.

These lads (and lassies) are on the move. Upwards. They are patient, purposeful and persevering.

– Celia Larkin, Sunday Independent

The Government should hold a referendum on the bank bail-out. This has the potential to strengthen the hand of any government  which could then demonstrate that the citizens of Ireland will simply not accept this bad deal.

During the general election campaign both Fine Gael and the Labour Party moved gradually closer to the Sinn Féin position and spoke of the need for burden sharing for bondholders.

It is now up to the Taoiseach to demonstrate that he can deliver on these commitments.

– Gerry Adams TD