Search Results for 'Late-2000s financial crisis'

“The EU Fiscal Compact Treaty is a straitjacket that would lead to misery in our country and throughout the EU. This is not the way to solve our problems. It is against the whole spirit of the EU.”

Housing is at the root of the global financial crisis – but it is also at the heart of personal, social and community development. Resolving the conflict between these approaches, nationally and internationally, is a core element of contemporary housing law and policy and the Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy at NUI Galway has announced an international conference exploring this challenge.

For Ireland, membership of the European Union has over the past 38 years provided great opportunities. It opened up new markets to us, made us a more attractive location for international investment, and gave us the chance to create a new set of relationships with our European neighbours, including Germany. Also, great benefits were provided for our people to travel, work and live throughout Europe.

The economy, the bank bailout and political reform dominated the launch of General Election candidate Martin Daly’s campaign in Ballina. Over 100 people attended the launch in Hotel Ballina where the Independent candidate, with the support of the Mayo Reform Movement, outlined his policies.

After the coming general election we will hopefully elect a new Government with a new focus, new energies and hopefully more ability.Those elected must immediately make many difficult, contentious and unpopular decisions. They must not shirk their responsibilities. We can all see the results of Bertie Ahern’s cowardly self serving keep everybody on-side at all costs. We are now paying a heavy price for his cowardice and greed. Amongst other things I believe the new Government must implement the following;

Banks are abusing consumers through excessive interest rates in order to restore their depleted balance sheets, according to the Financial Regulator.

The million dollar question on the lips of the tax-payer is, ‘is the proposed €400 billion pay-out to banks going to hurt anyone other than the tax-payer at the end of the day, when the economy recovers’.

The budget on Tuesday was one of the most interesting in years. The range of tax increases, particularly the income levy of one per cent for income up to €100,000 and two per cent on income over €100,000 received the most comment.

There was good news for businesses yesterday when it was announced that Bank of Scotland Ireland has said it will lend €1 billion to consumers and businesses in 2009.