The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has told his TD's and Senators to "hold their nerve" and the fortunes of the country and Fianna Fáil will improve.
Opening his party's think-tank in Galway, Mr Cowen said they "must show commitment and courage now" to show optimism and confidence in Ireland.
Mr Cowen and members of his Cabinet have also attacked a claim from Enda Kenny that it will take ten years to fix the economy.
Behind closed doors, away from the cameras and microphones, Mr Cowen told his party Ireland is still successful with huge potential for the future.
The Taoiseach said: "The spirit needed now is one of confidence, of high international reputation, of courage.
"The demands of leadership are hard. Doing the right thing upsets people."
Mr Cowen vowed to put the country first.
He said the Government is up for the challenge, and there should be a sustained national jobs effort with all sectors.
Mr Cowen said: "Hold the nerve and stick it out until 2012 to build on restoring recovery."
He told journalists he couldn't understand what policies Fine Gael had after Mr Kenny claimed it would take 10 years to fix the economy.