I cry wolf over nothing senator Falco. We simply must take Taras before Pyrrhus can turn his attention away from Macedonia and back to Italy, it is that simple. With the city still in Tarentine, and thus Epriote, control, Pyrrhus still has a formidable base from which to launch a second invasion, should he be so inclined. However, if we are able to remove that option, Pyrrhus will no doubt decide not to attack Italy. That is, unless he is a total fool.
With Taras taken we will be free to improve life at home and strengthen our economy. We will also have troops free to punish the traitors in the north and south. We cannot afford to wait until they can rebuild and recieve reinforcement.
And on a side note, I find it laughable that I am accused of crying wolf when you so loudly proclaimed that a Carthaginian war is "looming", only to a few moments later retract your statement...
As for the fleet, it has been shown that we are currently allied to the Carthaginian Republic so I have vetoed the outstanding motion that would require a successful trade offer to disband said fleet. It is not in the interest of the people for the Senate to waste valuable time debating and voting on a voided issue. Instead I call for a simple vote on whether or not the senate shall disband the Oneria fleet.