I AM increasingly convinced that events move in cycles. Our current economic difficulties, particularly the unsustainability of the public finances seem to mirror the 1980s — increased borrowing, political procrastination, public sector conflict and, ultimately, cutbacks.

THE Dáil this week has a pre-budget debate. Eamon Gilmore and Enda Kenny need to watch out for the offside rule. In soccer, no forward can be in front of the last defender other than the goalie, while ahead of the ball. The best defences move up the pitch and suddenly players are ruled offside. The Government’s political defenders are perceptibly shifting ground.

REPORTS indicate the frailty of male mental health. Stress and depression are leading to more psychiatric hospital admissions. Statistics indicate male suicide is up 40%.

POLITICAL and other spin doctors know how to manage a crisis. The critical factor is to hang on. They believe virtually all news media cycles are “nine-day wonders”.

THE cabinet is working a double shift. Along with their regular weekly Tuesday meetings they sit every Thursday to deliberate on the budget. Their target is to obtain a €4bn reduction in public expenditure.

THE NAMA debate has moved on. This week and next, the Dáil will amend the detailed provisions of the legislation.

He was renowned for politicised grant-giving as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. There is little evidence of personal humility throughout his political career. His penchant for luxury was exceptional and unsustainable. He doesn’t deserve sympathy or victim status because he milked the system

The overriding truth of this entire campaign was the upside of voting Yes was relatively modest to the disastrous impact of a No vote. The prospects of investor confidence collapsing would have incurred lasting long-term damage. There was no Plan C in the event of failure

Brian Lenihan seems to be the only senior Government politician who attempts to give effective leadership. FF’s minor upward blip in the polls is due to his assertive confidence ... He can chart a course for future positive direction for the nation, based on realism and straight speaking

HIGH Court judges Peter Kelly and Frank Clarke found the business plans of Liam Carroll’s Zoe group to be artificial and fanciful. I fear the NAMA plan would equally fail their scrutiny. This does not mean NAMA isn’t a viable solution.