I should like to join the Taoiseach and the Leader of the Fianna Fáil Party in congratulating Michelle Smith on her remarkable success, she is truly a sporting heroine. I am not usually stuck for words but it is difficult to find words to describe adequately what she has achieved both inside and outside the swimming pool. I have known her and her family, very decent, sensible people, for a considerable length of time. Although they are immensely proud of her success, I am certain it will not go to their heads. Indeed, without the support of her parents, Pat and Brian, Michelle could not have achieved or realised her immense potential. As the Taoiseach and Deputy Ahern said, she dealt with the whispering campaign and innuendo with great dignity. Michelle has adopted the sporting mantle with a sense of greatness and we wish her well. There is now a new golden circle of Dublin South-West. Michael Carruth brought home a gold medal to Greenhills on the last occasion and Michelle will bring home at least three, if not four, gold medals to the village of Rathcoole. The success we are achieving augurs well for next year's general election, particularly for myself, since the women are doing better than the men.
I compliment RTE on its coverage of the Olympics, particularly Gary O'Toole, who has done so well. I feel so knowledgeable as a result of his panel discussions that I could nearly be a panellist on swimming. I also wish the other participants well. We are all immensely proud of what they are doing for Ireland. They are great ambassadors for the country and we must not forget that. As the Minister, Deputy Allen, said last night, we should ensure that, whether in sport, health or education, resources are targeted to the areas of greatest need. Regardless of our success in the Olympics there must not be a knee-jerk response. We must ensure that public money is wisely spent, and I am certain Michelle Smith and her family would want that too.