Fleming Appalled by Kenny’s Reckless Comments

Posted on 02/06/09 by Sean Fleming I am appalled by the reckless comments made by Enda Kenny in relation to the Irish banking system.

It is deeply irresponsible for the leader of the main opposition party to refer to all our banks as "zombie banks."

Deputy Kenny should reflect on the fact that his efforts to misrepresent Ireland's economic and banking position are heard not just by the electorate at home but, by investors in boardrooms abroad. The Fine Gael leader needs to remember that by playing fast and loose with this country's international reputation he is putting Irish jobs at risk.

The sweeping and inaccurate statements made by Enda Kenny in this campaign have the potential to cause a major negative impact on Ireland as an investment location.

At a time when the ESRI, the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the OECD are all saying that Ireland is pursuing the right fiscal policies, this sort of talk is counter-productive and does nothing to protect employment and return our economy to growth.

I understand that there is an election on but people need to keep an eye on the bigger picture. There is a responsibility on everyone in our public life to refrain from making destructive comments in an attempt to garner votes. In the midst of a global recession, politicians need to put Ireland's international reputation first and desist from putting short-term political gain above the long-term interests of the country.