We need a clear view of the future in a nationalised banking structure

THERE is an unanswerable case now for the Government to publish a white paper on banking. The multiplicity of reasons for this needs to be chronicled.

Last Friday, Brian Lenihan outlined his broad budgetary strategy for 2011.

He specified in general terms where the €3bn of fiscal adjustment would come: through cuts in the capital programme, public service reform (as per the Bord Snip report), widening of the tax base through household water charges and a revamped PRSI/health levy regime.