Ghost estates - Rescue deal is obligatory and overdue

The Irish are as good as anyone at brushing inconvenient truths under the carpet but hopefully we’ve reached the point where we can face uncomfortable issues, resolve them and make sure that the take-home lesson is learnt.

It is hard to imagine how we might rebuild society, recover self-esteem or confront the unemployment crisis if we have not.

Like an alcoholic who has hit rock bottom we are at a point where the options are stark: change dramatically or continue along a heartbreaking road and repeat all of the mistakes that lead to only one conclusion.