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Watch: Taoiseach outlines challenges facing Ireland in state of the nation address

Enda Kenny addressed the nation in a historic televised event this evening. Watch it now…

TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY has spoken in a televised address to the nation tonight. Kenny said that the upcoming budget would be a “tough” one but warned that “it has to be”.

Among the measures announced in the address were that the government will merge or abolish 50 quangos. Kenny also pledged that the public sector will be downsized by 23,000 people by 2015. He said that a referendum to abolish the Seanad will be held next year.

The Taoiseach said mistakes which brought the country to this point “must never be allowed to happen again” and told viewers “you are not responsible for this crisis”.

Watch the address to the nation in full here (via RTÉ):

Read the address in full here >

Listen back to the address here >

See a word cloud of the address here >

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    Mute Sea Graham
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    Jan 21st 2020, 9:14 AM

    In my day we had a stick and were glad of it.

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    Mute SouperArlene
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    Jan 21st 2020, 11:31 AM

    Wasn’t it well for you.

    In my day we’d have done anything for a stick.

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    Mute Patrick Swan
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    Jan 21st 2020, 1:16 PM

    @Sea Graham: We couldn’t afford a whole stick. Had to make do with twigs.

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    Mute Brian Higgins
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    Jan 21st 2020, 5:05 PM

    @Patrick Swan: Twigs! We just had used matches.

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    Mute lambda sensor
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    Jan 21st 2020, 8:01 PM

    @Brian Higgins: used matches! We couldn’t afford fire. We used to huddle together for warmth.

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    Mute sam
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    Jan 21st 2020, 9:36 PM

    @Sea Graham: Ok Boomer

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    Mute Seeking Truth
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    Jan 21st 2020, 1:09 PM

    I am glad my children are mostly grown…it is getting more difficult for parents to keep track and navigate the infinite social media options out there. Articles like this are helpful reminders to keep talking to our kids and to try to stay one step ahead!

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    Mute Joe Kennedy
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    Jan 21st 2020, 7:30 PM

    @Seeking Truth: they’re always ahead I think are they?! From what I’ve heard anyway!

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