Is this the new Ireland? That it is "fatuous" to suggest that somebody in a full-time job should be able to buy their own home? Is it so outrageous, that working people should be able to live within reasonable distance of work or their extended families?

Surely it is the responsibility of political parties to address issues of contemporary society such as housing affordability and commuting. The Labour party has spoken out repeatedly about the government's lamentable record on housing and we have put forward many alternative policies. I will be happy to detail these.

Eamon Gilmore TD, Leinster House, Dublin 2.