Experts criticise our clean exit from bailout

Six of the country’s leading economists have strongly criticised the Coalition’s decision to exit the bailout without a credit line, saying bumpy economic conditions could force Ireland to seek one later but under harsher terms.

The criticism came after the Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced in the Dáil that the Government had decided not to seek a precautionary credit line following a Cabinet meeting at which Finance Minister Michael Noonan recommended the clean break.

The leading commentators are critical of the move, with one arguing the Government had decided to jump without a parachute.