In analysing the adjustment process here in Ireland, it is helpful to keep track of what is going on in other European countries that are dealing with reform challenges. George Kopits provides a summary of the Hungarian situation in this WSJ article.
Adam Posen is always worth reading; his account of why a large, diverse eurozone is in Germany’s interests is available here.
The Central Bank has published up-to-date information on senior and subordinated bonds outstanding at the six Irish credit institutions covered by the ELG. The release is available here. The numbers are broadly consistent with those reported in the widely cited February 11th report from Goodbody Stockbrokers.
Via the FT’s Brussels blog, here‘s a supposedly authentic copy of proposals for a competitiveness pact being circulated for the next European Council meeting by Barroso and van Rompuy. Much of it is still quite vague but, as leaked documents go, it’s somewhat more impressive than this one.
Governor Honohan gave a substantial interview to Richard Crowley on Prime Time last night (available here). The interview covered many of the economic and banking topics debated on this blog in recent weeks and months. If you didn’t get a chance to see it live, it is essential viewing. The interview is preceded by a report by Donogh Diamond and followed by a panel discussion with Cliff Taylor and Stephen Collins. The interview itself starts at minute 8:20 and ends at 27:35.