3.7 billion deficit in Q1 - Lenihan says economy is "weak"

[Schuhart]

The Nutters have taken over RTE drivetime today. Joan Burton and Dan Boyle! FFS why is there no credible alternative??

Because that's what the Irish people elect. They're gob********************es, so they elect gob********************es.

That's why we ended up exactly where we are. Its not because of some golden circle. Its not because of the Department of Finance. Its not even particularly because of the so-called social partners. Its because the country, mostly, consists of complete feckin eejits.

For the sake of argument, why has the housing market ground to a halt? Because the feckin eejits who built houses can't figure out that the price they want is unrealistic. Why are people shopping in the North? Because the fecking eejits who work in retail can't figure out that they need to drop prices too. Why is unemployment increasing? Because another group of fecking eejits can't figure out that their labour is worth a lot less than they thought.

We could go on, but we'd only get frustrated. A more positive point would be to think about whether its possible to reform feckin eejits, or whether its kinder in the long run just to shoot them.

[libertarian-right]

This is all pointing to the fact that Ireland will be a bad place to retire...if you can...work till you die fool!!!

[droghedasouth]

For starters,at least 3 billion should be cut on the capital side.Everybody still seems to be buying into the myth that all of these projects will yield a good long term yield.They won't.And many of them are not at all as labour intensive as they are supposed to be.On the other hand the same amount in tax increases has a massive depressing effect on the economy.Plus it is ridiculous to be borrowing 1.5 billion for the NPRF.That's 4.5 billion to begin with.

Money for the NPRF does not increase the calculated deficit.
I think all the money borrowed this year and next will go directly to the banks in any case.

[Digout]

Why is this party still running the show here? If this was a boxing match the ref would have stopped it ages ago. They have done more than enough damage to the country and its reputation.

LENIHAN AND FF SHOULD DO THE DECENT THING AND RESIGN NOW.

[Odyessus]

Because that's what the Irish people elect. They're gob********************es, so they elect gob********************es.

That's why we ended up exactly where we are. Its not because of some golden circle. Its not because of the Department of Finance. Its not even particularly because of the so-called social partners. Its because the country, mostly, consists of complete feckin eejits.

For the sake of argument, why has the housing market ground to a halt? Because the feckin eejits who built houses can't figure out that the price they want is unrealistic. Why are people shopping in the North? Because the fecking eejits who work in retail can't figure out that they need to drop prices too. Why is unemployment increasing? Because another group of fecking eejits can't figure out that their labour is worth a lot less than they thought.

We could go on, but we'd only get frustrated. A more positive point would be to think about whether its possible to reform feckin eejits, or whether its kinder in the long run just to shoot them.

Have you seen the price of bullets lately?

[goosebump]

I agree but it has to be done fairly.

PLEASE change the record.

It doesn't have to be done fairly.

It has to be done in whatever way accelerates us out of this recession as soon as possible.

[Digout]

Have you seen the price of bullets lately?

Cost benefit analysis, bullets are the best option.

[libertarian-right]

Why is this party still running the show here? If this was a boxing match the ref would have stopped it ages ago. They have done more than enough damage to the country and its reputation.

LENIHAN AND FF SHOULD DO THE DECENT THING AND RESIGN NOW.

Ah they are doing fine, just fine. Their economics shine right throughout Ireland!!

Time to accept that Dell will quit city, says Mayor - Limerick Leader

The Mayor of limerick called on the Government to start a housebuilding programme to "keep the economy afloat."

Thank god we will be saved next week with the budget of a thousand houses...

[Marlowe]

Money for the NPRF does not increase the calculated deficit.
I think all the money borrowed this year and next will go directly to the banks in any case.

I know it does not increase the calculated deficit,but borrowing money at high interest rates to invest in a bear market is insane.One of the first things we learned in our economics class 30 years ago was never borrow money to invest in the market.It's even more valid now.

[droghedasouth]

I know it does not increase the calculated deficit,but borrowing money at high interest rates to invest in a bear market is insane.One of the first things we learned in our economics class 30 years ago was never borrow money to invest in the market.It's even more valid now.

To be fair to the governemnt, they are borrowing at roughly 5% to get 8% on the preference shares from BoI and AIB. As far as I can see none of this years or next years NPRF conribution will go anywhere else.

Your argument is anyway a bit simplistic - a bit like saying don't invest in a pension until you pay off your mortgage.