Wanted: Wise man, must have own whitewash

WANTED: One “Wise Man” to investigate Irish banking crisis: must be able to work in secret without curious nature or interest in the truth.

No need for frankincense, gold or myrrh – but own pot of whitewash essential. Apply to: People Who Caused Irish Banking Crisis c/o Government Buildings. Time-wasters welcome.

That’s not quite what Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said yesterday, but that was what anyone with more than half a brain heard as the people who brought you a bankrupt state went one better and delivered a bankrupt democracy as well.