Bailout: A calculated political gamble that just might not pay off

THERE’S no doubt yesterday was a defining moment for the Coalition.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore assessed the mood of the nation perfectly by the sombre manner in which they delivered what they had been hinting at for weeks — Ireland would exit the disastrous bailout without a comfort blanket.

It was a bold move which, after three years of the country being run from abroad, demonstrated that Ireland can and will regain its independence from the moment the troika exits stage left.