Sir, – I read with interest that, according to Kevin Daly, a senior economist with Goldman Sachs, political factors are now the main risk to Ireland's economic future, citing the increased popularity of Sinn Féin ("Rise of Sinn Féin represents main threat to growth, says Goldman Sachs economist", March 18th). Mr Daly apparently went on to say that Sinn Féin had policies that were similar to those of Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain.
So, if I understand this correctly, a senior European economist with Goldman Sachs, the world's most powerful investment bank, and likened by Rolling Stone magazine to a "great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money", and whose former executives held pivotal and influential US government appointments in George W Bush's administration, frowns at the thought of socialist-leaning political parties holding the balance of power in European countries.
Really? Tell me more. – Yours, etc,
ALLAN SWEENEY,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.
A chara, – The commentary by a Goldman Sachs economist that Sinn Féin represents the main threat to growth of the Irish economy merited front-page coverage, and a major headline in your Business section. I expected to see some explanation for this analysis. But none was forthcoming, other than that the Sinn Féin policy was to oppose austerity. Perplexed, or surprised? I would be, but for the fact that the object of the negative comment is, once again, Sinn Féin. – Is mise,
PATRICK FAHY,
Omagh,
Co Tyrone.
Sir, – I am sure that the opinion of Goldman Sachs, to many the symbol of everything that is wrong with the globalised financial system, will carry weight among those who feel that they have no alternative but to vote for Sinn Féin. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS M CREAMER,
Ballinamore,
Co Leitrim.