The start of 2002 was ushered in with an optimistic prediction from the Taoiseach on the prospects for the Irish economy. He predicted an economic upturn and maintained that the Irish economy was entering the new year " in a very strong position", despite the slowdown in the global economy.
Well, that's ok then, it's all going to be hunky dory. Stalker wonders which astrologer Bertie is consulting to arrive at this rosy prognosis?
With Wall Street guru Stephen Roach, chief economist at Morgan Stanley, forecasting a 'double dip' US slump – i.e. a relapse into negative growth just as the economy begins to grow again – optimism for any country's economy in the coming year looks ill-placed. As he puts it, " Recovery will be hard to come by."
