The government has been seeking to bring forward legislation to strengthen the Oireachtas’ ability to carry out inquiries into matters of public interest in the wake of the rejection of a referendum in 2011.
Tamer Fakahany, a deputy managing editor with Associated Press, recalls the displacement of Cypriots he witnessed as a boy – and why its present travails have inspired him to return with his young son.
Labour has had to make some tough choices in government but, as a result, Ireland can be more confident about its future, writes Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.
In 2012 there were a total 8,135 complaints made to the Financial Services Ombudsman. While we should be able to name and shame badly behaving banks, consumers should also be concerned about the performance of this office, writes Ronan Coburn.
The looming payment deadline for the next €3.06 billion promissory note instalment is at the centre of discussions – but the legality of this debt is not being properly considered, writes Andy Storey.
Former trader Nick Leeson says an example was quite rightly made of him when his actions led to the collapse of Barings Bank – why isn’t that happening now?
Enda Kenny said today there was no file in the Department of Taoiseach related to the discussions surrounding the bank guarantee of September 2008, suggesting it may have been shredded.
Geir Haarde was found not guilty on all but one of the five charges brought against him by authorities in Iceland. He was the first world leader to go on trial over the global financial crisis.
Geir Haarde has been found guilty of one of the charges against him – however he will face no punishment and the state will pay his expenses in defending the case.
The Finance Minister has confirmed that 24 staff at the institution, which is 99.8 per cent owned by the State, are continuing to receive salaries in excess of €250,000.
Many SME owners feel powerless in the face of banks, writes George Mordaunt, but if they educate themselves with the revised code of conduct they might find the breathing space they need.
This week, former trader Nick Leeson says it’s time Enda Kenny stop playing softball with the banks and siding with UK politicians – and focus on getting restitution for his citizens.
Ireland and a euro break-up, the truth about tribunals, white collar crime and the dangers of ‘pay day’ loans – former trader Nick Leeson rings the closing bell on 2011.
SME owner George Mordaunt says banking staff should be trained to deal with stressed out and indebted customers who feel under attack and at the end of their tether.
Independent Senator Katherine Zappone argues that the Government succumbed to external pressure to put the requirements of the troika over greater collective recovery and sustainability.
Former trader Nick Leeson finds that those who try to expose problems in the banking sector and would be heroes anywhere else are made pariahs in their world.
“The majority of people in this country consume alcohol in a moderate, responsible manner that is entirely compatible with a healthy lifestyle and in line with European norms,” said Kathryn D’Arcy, director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland.
Some people can no longer afford to drink alcohol, others could be looking after their health, while many have suggested that the reduction in consumption could be related to emigration rates.
So today we want to know what do you think. Have you reduced your alcohol consumption in the past year?
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