Austerity fatigue is growing

For the first quarter 2013, retail sales came in much lower than expected.

The reason – ongoing reduced consumer confidence, as one authoritative economic commentator noted: “As things stand, all consumers are seeing is more austerity, more taxes and less disposable income”.

The Coalition’s response to the rejection of Croke Park 2 also prompts concern. If no agreement is reached, public servants will inter alia face potential pay cuts, a permanent freeze on increments and loss of protection from compulsory redundancy.