Monthly Archives: January 2012

THE IRISH lack self-esteem despite a veneer of “garrulous sociability and self-deprecating twaddle”, according to the latest edition of the Lonely Planet which has just been published

The best-selling guide book says Irish people’s reputation for having an “easygoing, affable nature is justified”, but our reputation for friendliness is mostly a manifestation of our desire to chat – and our lack of self-esteem is our “dark secret”.

And it doesn’t end there:

Larne: ‘lacking in the charm department’
Letterkenny: ‘ruined by the excesses of the Celtic Tiger era’
Galway: “a very rainy city, even by Irish standards”
Derry: ‘not pretty”

Cork: “everything good about Ireland can be found in County Cork”.

Mmf.

Fatalistic, pessimistic Irish still worth a visit, says guide book (Irish Times)

 

If Treasury does not meet the deadline [to pay €900 million this month], Nama will move to appoint a receiver to certain properties in Ireland.

Treasury is jointly controlled by Irish businessmen Johnny Ronan (top, and, 2nd pic, with Bertie Ahern at the opening of the Convention Centre in 2010) and Richard Barrett (bottom pic right with Ronan and Brian Cowen at the Convention Centre opening).

Its portfolio of assets in Ireland includes the Spencer Dock development in Dublin’s Docklands and the Convention Centre Dublin, which was developed by Treasury and receives an annual subvention from the State.

The convention centre hosted a concert for Queen Elizabeth II on her historic state visit to the Republic last year.

Treasury also developed the luxury Ritz Carlton Hotel in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.

The state loans agency appears to have lost patience with Treasury following many months of negotiations to agree a business plan and a term sheet for the loans.

 

Nama To Take Control Of Treasury Holdings Properties (Ciaran Hancock, Irish Times)

(Photocall Ireland)