Next government must rebuild the nation

THE admission by Alan Dukes that Anglo Irish Bank will need €50 billion in State support is cataclysmic in consequence.

If there was any doubt that Ireland is only fit to join the ranks of failed states the implication that IMF support needs to be increased by 40% is the straw that will break the financial back of our sovereign land. There will be nothing left of this economy, or our society, when these wretched banks are “cleaned up” but a landscape that is economically scorched.

This matter is of the utmost gravity and the next government will need to consider impeaching those responsible for their lamentable supervision and oversight of the domestic banks.

They will also need to transform the Department of Finance and, perhaps, some other Department of State so that it is clearly recognised that competence and accountability are the qualities upon which the foundation of a viable nation is built and upon which modicum of public confidence reposes.

Myles Duffy

Glenageary

Co Dublin