Comments on: Brian Lenihan is Europe’s Worst Finance Minister

By: James Lawless

James Lawless — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:15:58 +0000

Also there may be an element of sour grapes here. Still sore from McCreevy’s “two fingers” the eurocrats were smarting again over Ireland taking the lead in the immediate outbreak of financial crisis. Some quotes below:

“Some ministers proved more controversial than others. Erik Nielsen of Goldman Sachs praises Ireland’s Brian Lenihan and the bold measures Dublin took to address the country’s particularly severe economic and banking crisis”

“Other judges were still reeling from Ireland’s go-it-alone approach in the immediate aftermath of the Lehman collapse, and the country is still deep in crisis”

By: James Lawless

James Lawless — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:10:50 +0000

Well it appears most of the negatives are around the early days (e.g. the medical card fiasco) and also the unwillingness of the people to accept such harsh medicines. Public unrest is cited as a factor against him. They appear to be reserving judgment somewhat though as “if he holds his nerve” (and delivers on NAMA and the 2010 budget) then a more favourable rating would appear to beckon next time round..

By: Colin

Colin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:19:42 +0000

We are the ones that are f**ked while the rest of the Eurozone prepares to come out of recession, we have been burdened with NAMA and 4 billion in cuts in public spending. The wonderful strategies by the bungling fool Lenihan and his FF cronies to recue bankers and property developers has brought the country to its knees and mass emigration will be his legacy. I for one pray for IMF so we can finally free ourselves for these morally bankrupt and corrupt clowns

By: Veronica

Veronica — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:04:36 +0000

They’re still sore about the guarantee, it seems…

By: Colm

Colm — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:51:07 +0000

The Eurozone is fairly f****d if 11 of it’s finance ministers are less competent than Alistair Darling……