Do our politicians have it in them to say no more, asks writer and journalist, Nick Webb, who gives his ideas on what should be top of the politician’s to-do list.
Following the recommendations of a report published yesterday on mortgage arrears, we’re asking for your say on the suggestion that the state takes ownership and rents the house back to its former owners.
Under proposals contained in the report, struggling homeowners would give up their houses but be allowed to rent them back from State bodies or local authorities.
The communications minister says “blanket debt forgiveness” is not an option, but that banks should write off loans where there’s a genuine inability to pay.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan said this morning that banks need to distinguish between those who can’t pay and those who will not pay their mortgages.
In your Sunday Fix: Joan Burton has strong words for the banks; the latest on the storms hitting the US east coast; John Halligan on the presidency; and glory for the Boys in Blue…
Amid calls for Irish investors overseas to direct their funds closer to home, Nick Leeson says the idea of reversing NAMA loans back to banks is well worth considering.
Chorus of calls for Government to organise a mortgage debt relief scheme for worst-off householders builds to crescendo – and now a government junior minister is backing it…
The G8 are expected to combine their economic powers to back the grass-roots democracy movements that have swept the Arab world – as well as discussing Japan’s nuclear crisis and internet regulation.
Robbie Fox was speaking after comments by the Master of the High Court yesterday in which he said banks’ aggressive actions in pursuing some loans had driven some borrowers to suicide.
Nine things you need to know by 9am: No debt forgiveness for struggling homeowners; NAMA gives a painting to the state (but holds onto an entire collection), and we know it hurts but – is childbirth really a “murderous” experience?
A MOTION OF no confidence in the Minister for Justice will be debated in the Dáil next week with Fianna Fáil claiming Alan Shatter’s position is now “untenable”.
The opposition party has been fiercely critical of the Fine Gael deputy’s handling of an ongoing row with Independent TD Mick Wallace.
“The Minister has shown extremely poor judgement of late. In particular, he used private information he received from the Garda Commissioner to undermine an opposition TD on Prime Time last week,” Niall Collins charged.
Shatter is currently facing two investigations by the Data Protection Commissioner and the Standards in Public Office Commission over his actions. He was also forced to clarify the nature of an incident where he was breathalysed by gardaí but could not complete the test because of asthma.
Although the motion of no confidence is unlikely to pass (as the government can table a counter-motion), TheJournal.ie wants to know what you think. Is Alan Shatter’s position as minister untenable?
Partly sunny
Max: 15 °C
Min: 7 °C
A brief shower or two in the afternoon
Max: 16 °C
Min: 9 °C
