BEST OF THE BLOGS: The Government and the recessionWe just get more of the same from Brian Cowen and this Government. These overpaid civil servants have created blunder after blunder. Fianna Fáil has had its day. I have voted for them at every election over the past 15 years, local and general. Never again. They squandered hundreds of millions during the good times and now the people suffer at their rash . . . decisions. The Budget . . . is completely flawed . . . Out with Cowen and his cronies. - Ian Walsh

That is what happens when you put a barrister in charge of the finances of the country. Economics 101 and Accounting 101 don't feature in the Bar exams. - Laura

Patriotic shopping

Retailers ripped us off for years, and now that times are harder we're supposed to feel sorry for them. Don't make me laugh. Fairer prices might convince me to shop in Dublin, but not only that. How about better shops? Most Dublin shops are very uninspiring for what is supposed to be a capital city. Why is there no top-class deli? No excellent stationer? No kitchenware shop that stocks the best of everything?
Mostly, all we get is dull, second-rate stuff. On the other hand, you can find anything you want on the internet. - Jonathan

I think we are looking at the annihilation of Fianna Fáil and the virtual extinction of the Green Party. The first real exam and they have fluffed it. All John Gormley knows how to do is tax. It's so obvious that Irish citizens are still spending. But you have to go to Newry to see it. Time the Government noticed that Ireland is now in competition with the UK and the only way to act is to compete, not drive us all up there. - Daithi

The end of Habitat . . .

Some woman was quoted in the paper saying she spent €320 on bed-clothes in the closing-down sale - if that's a recession fair play to her - I'm off to Guineys. - Edel

. . . And Lidl moving in

It would be a shame to see the interior of that [wonderful building on Dame Street] kitted out in the day-glo Ryanair-esque blue and yellow livery of Lidl, but I guess money speaks volumes in the current economic climate and the spoils go to the highest bidder. - Paul M

Paying for in-flight service
The idea of paying cash for drinks on flights is one I just don't get. What would an extra 50c on the
fare matter if it meant I could get a simple cup of coffee . . . The last few times I've been on a flight
that charged for drinks, my wallet has been in my coat in the overhead locker, out of reach in the cramped cabin. - Brian T