Texts and emails, Tuesday 9 March 2010

Topic: The state of play in Irish politics

Panellists: Garrett Fitzgerald (former Fine Gael Taoiseach), Joan Burton (Labour finance spokesperson) and Martin Mansergh (Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works)

ask joan is she wearin the leather jacket for her motorbike to avoid the taxi strike.

Is garret availing of a chauffeur driven car tonight at the taxpayers expense several years after he has left political life. 

Gabriel, Leitrim

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Martin fails to say that these tough decisions are only tough on the vunerable. And will all ministers and Td's be giving up their pensions until they are 68.

Kiljoy, Drogheda

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Roosevelt's policies didn't end depression. World war 2 did. Us remained mired in depression until then. 

James, Hollyford

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Mr. Fitzgerald lost all his credibility when he bailed out AIB in 1985 ie he initiated the culture of banking irresponsibility. The really awful reality is that this culture is irreversible without a major revolution. What say he? 

Declan Staunton

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Reform the public service? ballydowd special care unit,though officially closed since last yr,has 1,yes 1 child and 47 staff to mind him and a school to educate him.i know,im 1 of the 47.the private sector must never know of this,less still the unions.

David

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Please tell that FF man not to be talking ab the COWS coming home the COWS are LOST never again to be found 

Sharon, Kerry

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Roosevelt's policies didn't end depression. World war 2 did. Us remained mired in depression until then

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Please ask if nama will be allowed to take loans for which there is no clear title on the assets i.e. Several banks might be owed money and all of them think they have rights to the deeds of title. 

Sean

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My heart goes out to all those 57 thou. Tonight on news of Tallagh hospital.. More of what we were promised. Would NEVER happen again after the bad blood etc. Where is mary Harney hiding?.... Time for her to hear the swan song vincent. 

Anne, Kilkenny

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Vincent it is so sad that Fine FAIL use the 2 worse economies in the world to compare ireland against, Greece and Iceland. Their bench mark is the lowest common denominator on the planet. Of course that is Fine Gaels fault they caused all the problems by implementing their policies in opposition

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Vincent why was g fitzgearlds 250,000 overdraft written off by aib. 

Mary, Cork.

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Why do 1 have to wait up to 3 years to access diabetic clinic at CUH? 

Bernice, Cork

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I remember reading your articles during the boom period Garrett. While all my peers were indebting themselves I was giving 'dead money' to my landlord.  Thank you! 

Sam Bowden

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