look at Greece and see where they are at the moment. 12 months ago Ireland was in the same place as them. I know of foreign investors who were piling out of Irish Soverign Debt. Having spoken to these guys recently at a conference and hearing people talk, people should not underestimate the regard that Lenihan (and the government) is held in internationally for the budgets he introduced, NAMA and in the way he dealt with foreign investors at the height of the crisis by going around Europe and meeting with these guys and putting Ireland's case forward.
Lenihan really struggled at the beginning of his brief but if you want to know why Lenihan is doing such a good job, look at Greece and see where they are at the moment. 12 months ago Ireland was in the same place as them. I know of foreign investors who were piling out of Irish Soverign Debt. Having spoken to these guys recently at a conference and hearing people talk, people should not underestimate the regard that Lenihan (and the government) is held in internationally for the budgets he introduced, NAMA and in the way he dealt with foreign investors at the height of the crisis by going around Europe and meeting with these guys and putting Ireland's case forward.
Do you seriously expect any politician in any democracy to sort out major systemic economic problems in a matter of months?
Given that our stupid and undemocratic system makes it so hard for any government to make hard decisions it’s nothing short of miraculous that anything gets done. What we can see is a plan, based on a medium term policy, formulated by someone who understands their brief. It’s a long time since we had that in this country.
With the exception of the banks issue (on which I'm certain nobody truly knows what will turn out to be the best solution), Brian Lenihan would be the closest option you have to achieving what you see as objectives for the country. Would Joan Burton and Richard Bruton be quicker to reduce the PS wage bill, the minimum wage and social welfare?
I do not know what anyone else would have done, but at least Bruton is an Oxford educated Economist. Lenihan is a solicitor.
Garret Fitzgerald is an economist with a PhD and is great on the theory but he screwed the economy up completely when he was in charge. Ruari Quinn is an architect and he did a great job as minister for finance. Ray McSharry was a haulier and he did a great job as well. The fact that Richard Bruton did a PhD in Oxford doesn’t outweigh his inability to construct a sound economic policy for his party.
Excellent post Mpsox. I bet most of those who will pick at your post will not be anywhere near as open about their own views.
I must point out however that the labour party is not funded by Trade unions
Sure they make a donation but that donation is a mere drop in the ocean in terms of what is required to run a major political party.
I had serious doubts about FF at the last election but the alternatives were just not there. I suspect many people, myself included, voted in part based on the devil you know.
What we need are some good independents, enough perhaps to constitute a tactical voting block in the Dail.
What do you find contradictory?Thanks for that post Mpsox - most enlightening. I find much of your analysis contradictory, but I too appreciate your honesty.
Only people who are blind ideologues will nail their colours to the mast of one party and vote for them no matter what. That used to be the case with FF and FG but it seems to be mainly a left wing thing these days; Shinners who are die-hard nationalists and Labour voters for whom socialist dogma is an article of faith.I also find it interesting that there are still no outright, 'I would vote for FF' posts.
I also find it interesting that there are still no outright, 'I would vote for FF' posts.
Mpsox , hugely interesting and honest post
I must point out however that the labour party is not funded by Trade unions
Sure they make a donation but that donation is a mere drop in the ocean in terms of what is required to run a major political party.
Personally I would rather he put the citizens of Ireland first, not the foreign investors.
I don't think you understand why the foreign investors really like him.
Hint: It has nothing to do with him doing what's best for Ireland.
foreign investors is what is keeping this country going so what is best for them is best for ireland and its citizens. We are running a massive budget deficit. Where do you think the money comes from to pay for everyday health services, education, salaries etc?
The ecb are throwing money at the banks for funding. They are not throwing money at the irish government to fund the deficit. It the bondholders who are paying our bills. As i say, look at greece if you want to see the consequences of not having international credibility.
Here is a reality check for you. Foreign investors is what is keeping this Country going so what is best for them is best for Ireland and its citizens. We are running a massive budget deficit. Where do you think the money comes from to pay for everyday health services, education, salaries etc?
The ECB are throwing money at the banks for funding. They are not throwing money at the Irish Government to fund the deficit. It the bondholders who are paying our bills. As I say, look at Greece if you want to see the consequences of not having International Credibility. Richard Bruton is a very capable person as well but is dragged down by the his party. He seems to have lost his mojo since George Lee (big disappointment) was catapulted in.
No - Labour would never risk any offence to the unionsEither way do you honestly think Labour would risk offending the unions and potentially lose this contribution?
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