There is a worldwide recession at the moment (not just in Ireland). Changing the Government of our little country won't affect it. Who would we put in? Labour and Fine Gael can't agree. Fine Gael are even willing to go into government with Sinn Fein. Desparate or what! Also, the cost. The country can't afford it.

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I dont think it is JUST about trying to work our way out of a worldwide recession ("work" being the operative and somewhat ironic word given the amount of redundancies and cutbacks companies are facing) - the fact is that people are extremely angry at the governments tactics of late. Of course cutbacks need to be made, but why pick on the vulnerable? OAP medical cards, student fees, pension levies (which despite my previous opinions on I now have to say I do not agree with across the board) not to mention welfare cuts. It's not the recession that is bugging people, its the WAY the government is trying to claw back money that really sticks the knife in.

Why are the most vulnerable people in society having to pay the cost of the failures of this government. Sick children in Crumlin hospital, OAP medical cards and special needs teachers.   I read where they have written off €31 million of bankers personal loans which can't be clawed back because they have been transferred to offshore accounts to boost their earnings.    They have robbed the bank just like common criminals.  Yet they will get away with it because they have friends in high places.   I for one would like to see the bankers jailed and the property developers made accountable for their debts. 

Agreed. I mean, if we small fry have even a couple of hundred outstanding on a credit card or overdraft the banks are neurosing over that. The bankers Feck up, WE bail them out and then how do they repay us? Oh yes by REFUSING credit, mortages etc and demanding immediate repayment of overdrafts etc, compounding the economic issues even further. If people don't have money, or feel like they need to sink all their money into a black hole to meet their bank managers demands, then they wont spend. People cant buy houses. The market slows even more. Does nobody see this or do we have a bunch of monkeys working in our government? The banks should be made lend again - after all, it IS the people's money.

Hello

I am unsure another Election for a new goverment ,or we could vote in again the same goverment & all the moneies that it cost our country could be a waste. we are in a recession. I am not prepared to take that risk.

It is the Gradey that has the country in the sate in the state it is in any who borrowed money that cant or wont pay it back that robed my grand children and people I worked hard all my life since I was ten years old , I thought I had made a better life for my grand children , but all my hard work has come to noting because of the greedy people of this country .

The way any one who borrowed known the could not pay it back robed the bank and the rest of us .

Hi

Let us see what the budget brings, the I.M.F are keeping a close eye on the finances which is too late, If the I.M.F. dont look at the 2009 budget as being fair from the top jobs to government cuts in salaries well. The I.M.F should take steps to sack the government. Give Enda Kenny & with a rainbow goverment a chance, I would like to see the Independents get in on turning things around.

In fairness there are a lot of people who borrowed (as was the norm let us remember) and WERE in a position to apy it back and now are NOT because they have lost their jobs/taken pay cuts etc. The "greedy" you refer to are the bankers and developers who borrowed millions that they could not pay back.

What would an election achieve? Nothing! and put public finances under greater pressure. Lets hear from the opposition parties how they would deal with the situation.

I am not affiliated to any political party, but I don't want to see wastage of public finances on an election that possibly will not benefit the country.

If George Lee was made Minister for Finance, we would hear nothing but doom and gloom. Getting pregnant is not allowed in Georges' book either. He would reduce maternity leave to 16 weeks if in Government.

Brian Lenihan has'nt shown much foresight either. He increases the vat rates and sends hundreds of thousands across the border to shop. Admits it was a mistake, but will not backtrack. Pride and stubborness is a terrible trait.

Pat Rabbitte wants more Gadi on the street (good idea) but by the same token wants a reduction in the public sector.

Sinn Fein are a waste of space unless you want an armelite or illegal substances