Bailout exit - What we fear most is fear itself

The Government has been bragging about being on track to exit the bailout on Sunday, Dec 15.

There is no doubt that it inherited a dreadful financial mess, but in the last general election campaign, the two parties that now make up the Coalition insisted they would renegotiate the financial constrictions of the bailout.

If the country does successfully exit the bailout, it will be a significant achievement for the Government, but there are serious doubts that Ireland will be able to obtain full market financing. Hence, there have been calls for the EU to provide a kind of security blanket by announcing that money will be available to Ireland, if needed.