Biffo for Biffo

[Ah Well]

The primary reason why the speech was remarkable was that he has been so insipid over the past 5 months. This should have been his tenth such speech - remember how we heard over and over about his legendary debating prowess? - maybe now he'll have the guts to do likewise in the Dáil or on TV. But seems to be a case of far too little, too late.

I agree .... he should have verbally engaged to such effect long prior to this. Whether or not it would have ultimately made much real difference is not even the point. It is expected of a leader to be able to verbally engage and it should have been done long before. A bit late now half way down the mountain in the landslide heading for the abyss below.

[euroboy]

This idiot was Minister for Finance when most of our problems were created by his boss's cretinous, ruinous policies. He sat there, raking in stamp duty, tax take from builders, VAT from free-spending consumers and never batted an eyelid. People were getting 10x muliples on mortgages - no problem. The economy had 20% of the workforce in construction - no need to worry. 90% of our exports were from multinationals - ching-ching! Our housing estates sprawled in a seditious desecration of our countryside - grand. The banks, the regulator, the CB were all acting like criminals or the criminally negligent - never mind. This see-no-evil crap went on and on and on and on..

Spot on. But why didnt the people revolt. The students protest about the situation.

The reason not, is because the party suited the PUBLIC, joe bloggs, the middle classes saw their wealth increasing each day house prices rose(not caring their children had huge mortages(transfer of wealth from young to old), the public sector didnt care, they were getting pay raises yearly. The banks you say were offering 10X income mortages, 100% mortages were seen as 'helping' the young get onto the property ladder, the govt were seen as generous every budget they increased the mortage interest relief, each year they lowered income taxes and eroded the tax base to become dependent on property. The media, hyped up to the last that property was a win win investment, not least making careers for certain people who still think they are icons of irish society(a certain lady on ryan tubridy new years eve comes to mind).

We are all to blame for the mess we are in. every single one of us. Lone voices warned us of the dangers, but collectively we as a country chose not to listen, we didnt want our party spoiled. When intl bodies such as the IMF, the OECD, the EU expressed concern we labelled them as party poopers, trying to spoil our 'celtic bubble tiger'. The state made political choices and we WENT ALONG WITH IT, not least voting for the party that made those choices(though I like to think FF never made choices they had everything).

As a nation we need to be honest with ourselves, and stop trying to blame someone else but 'me'. Only then will we be able to take the hard decisions necessary. So far, we are far from honest with ourselves and its evident everyday we decline futher into depression.

[Iarmhi Gael]

Brian Cowen has always been a great speaker, but I think everyone up and down the country have had enough of his words...

I think alot of people are paddling their own canoe's. I know I am. I wouldn't be taken in by shallow words unless I see real change in Banking, health & jobless

[Digout]

Brian Cowen has always been a great speaker, but I think everyone up and down the country have had enough of his words...

some of us are after a few pints, I've held the attention of everybody in my local a few times when I've been steamed up.

[Outlander]

[SIZE=6]Cowan's speech:[/SIZE]

I've tried to jot down the salient elements of this great speech. My appologies if I have missed anything important, or if I have misinterpreted some elements.

I had the bits written on a few post-its but dropped them, so things may not be in the correct order. Somehow I don't think that matters.

International events - euro appreciating - no blame

Social partnership

I didn't waste January

I've seen the bad times back home

Step back and take the standard of living drop

Back to basics living

We've got Europe to mind us - poor Iceland

Vote yes to Lisbon or else

Partnership, solidarity face up to the challenges together

Fairness , proportionality, social cohesion

Cohesive rational leadership - pull together

Recession with us this year and next

Reduce ESB prices

Contain costs

Innovation - Smart Economy - Education - Retraining

Don't wallow in a sea of doubt - troubled waters

We have work to do

Incremental changes are finished - things in government will happen quickly

Smart Economy

Past educational policy has been great and leaves in good stead

More FDI - we're bringing them in

Take pride in the good times

Global crisis will hinder domestic growth

Training upskilling - Jobs Jobs Jobs

Community cohesion will out

We are citizens first, consumers second

How long will the recession last - nobody knows

Believe in ourselves

The recording of this sermon runs to 17 minutes and 10 seconds

(copied from the earlier thread)

No comment required

[Anorakphobia]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhYb6ZM-vds&feature=related"]YouTube - Cowen HIGNFY[/ame]

[Iarmhi Gael]

some of us are after a few pints, I've held the attention of everybody in my local a few times when I've been steamed up.

Are you saying he had drink in him.... I'd say you are right....

[Marlowe]

So,when we are queing at the soup kitchens,with the icy winds whistling through the backsides of our threadbare trousers,will they be playing this wonderful speech over the loudspeakers.
That sure will be enjoyable.

[libertarian-right]

Where was his rally cry when he became Finance Minister? Where were his actions then? Bulls*** if they did not see this coming 5 years ago they need to be eliminated as a policital party and force. 5th of June = D-Day

[Iarmhi Gael]

So,when we are queing at the soup kitchens,with the icy winds whistling through the backsides of our threadbare trousers,will they be playing this wonderful speech over the loudspeakers.
That sure will be enjoyable.

Who is going to pay for the Loudspeakers???????? - Get with it... We'll be lucky if we have a spoon for the soup