Property and politics - This report challenges us all to act

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has been critical of the “pervasive negativity” that has come to shape public discourse. This “pervasive negativity” is, regrettably, as unavoidable as it is unhealthy.

He has suggested that it has contrived to undermine him and his government so we should all look forward to his response to yesterday’s damming report from the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis.

Nirsa, a state-funded academic institution, in what may be one of the most scathing and unambiguous attacks on the role of politicians in the destruction of our economy and so much personal wealth, has called for an independent inquiry into the Government’s failure to control the property bubble. Nirsa has also demanded a full investigation into charges of cronyism in the planning process. Though one of those inquiries has tragically dragged on for 13 years, recent history suggests that there is need for another.