Don’t copy the Greeks

WHATEVER our present financial difficulties, I cannot join with Declan O’Connor (Letters, October 4) in his admiration for the Greeks’ response to their economic crisis.

The fact is that quite apart from the banking fiasco, the Irish state is spending approx €20bn more per annum than it is receiving.

The world doesn’t owe us a living, no more than it owes the Greeks. They are living way beyond their means and react like spoiled children when told they cannot do so indefinitely, throwing tantrums on the streets in a gutless fashion.

We have to face up to the deficit, whether we like it or not, and it has to be closed. It’s called taking responsibility. It’s going to be very difficult, but it takes nerve and guts. If we don’t, we can simply call those nice people at the IMF and they will do it for us.

James McGrath

Birchgrove

Hollyford

Co Tipperary