Vitis
Banking blues
Although rumours were flying around all week no official announcements came in the wake of Bank of Scotland Ireland's quarterly review. Its parent company, troubled lender HBOS, was taken over by Lloyds TSB last September for £12.2bn.
London v Brussels
There are some very interesting parallels between Fianna Fáil and New Labour in Britain. Both parties have suffered heavy defeats in the recent local and European elections and both are both at historically low levels in the opinion polls.
Snip sliding away
An Bord Snip has apparently identified up to €5bn in potential savings. This magazine goes to print before the full details are published but preliminary reports suggest it recommends cuts to social welfare spending and the amalgamation of certain government departments.
Union demands
Congratulations to the trade unions Unite, Siptu and Mandate. Instead of caving in to all this talk of an economic crisis and the need to restore competitiveness, the three have demanded 3.5% pay rises for their estimated 4000 members at Irish Life & Permanent.
