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PRESIDENT OF THE European Commission José Manual Barroso was largely positive in his State of the Union address this morning, kicking of the new parliament term with a focus on achieving a banking union and easing unemployment.
Speaking to members of the parliament, Barroso said that Europe has come a long way in the last five years but the “crisis it not over”.
“”The resilience of our union has been tested and will continue to be tested”, he said.
Let us not overestimate the positive results but let’s not also underestimate what has been done. One swallow does not make a summer, nor one fine day but we have good reason to be confident.
Barroso mentioned Ireland’s return to the markets, further growth expected in our economy this year and rehiring of staff in our manufacturing companies.
MEP Nessa Childers had something to say about this:
While the Commission president signalled positive signs in the most stricken countries, he said that the most pressing problem in Europe right now is unemployment. “The current level is economically unsustainable, politically untenable, socially unacceptable,” he told the parliament.
On the issue of the single banking mechanism, Barroso stressed that the parliament must do what is necessary to have it adopted during this term.
“We will not come back to the old normal – we have to shape the new normal,” he said.
Some will say we have given too much money to the most vulnerable countries, others will say we have given too little. This kind of interdependence means an European solutions can work. When you are in the same boat, one person cannot say ‘your end of the boat is sinking’.
Barroso finished by telling MEPs that they will be “judged together” in the upcoming elections. “Let us work together for Europe with passion and determination,” he told them.
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The suicide rate, however, is still climbing. I’m trying to think of a way to express my gratitude to our masters for their contribution to that fact.
Seamus
Why would you link the suicide rate to a statement from the President of the European Commission on the economic outlook in the short term?
Indeed why would you make irresponsibly inaccurate claims on the subject as the suicide rate is not climbing in Ireland. In fact it is falling somewhat and the incidence per hundred thousand of our population are pretty constant over the past twenty five years. This actually suggests a poor correlation between the economy and acts of self harm but it is conceded that certain occupations including some in the construction sector are prone to a higher than average rate.
@Richie, Breath taking response there. Between 2000 and 2002 it was estimated about 500 people per year took their own lives according to a DCU study. A more recent report showed that nearly three 17-25 year old are taking their lives every day within the 32 counties and another report stated suicides were rising among people in rural areas. This is regardless of the amount that attempt it. Councils through Ireland are highlighting the problem with Wexford recently calling a state of emergency concerning the figures there. It could be easily estimated today’s yearly figure is well into a thousand+ a year. How you can not link this phenomenon to the austerity measures that have been put in place since 2008 is beyond me.
Another eu IMF fg fg labour lover your disgusting your vile
5 more years of recession and economic devastation it seems
We had 6 years of pain and now 5 more years ??? Too bloody long. Seems to be a revolution on the cards
5 more years for the better off countries. Eternity for ourselves, Greece and Portugal !!
Screw the eu IMF and Germany
No you haven’t ;unless you consider delusion a solid foundation for confidence; you simpleton barroso!
The whole monetary systems is flawed, until we think of different ideas and strategies its jus gonna be the same sh*t. Another boom another bust, another boom another bust. All the while these unelected gangsters get richer and richer, the media also have a huge part to play in this
The Common Market was a good idea, giving control of every aspect of our lives over to these unelected dictators was not. Barroso is also trying to scare people into a WW3 scene if the EUSSR falls when it is more likely that there will be trouble as Germany imposes it’s will on the rest of us.
Another euro zone digtat lover you are pathetic your stupid person
Europe go to hell and please destroy your self I hate you your repulsive a bully digtater a fine example of how democracy doesint work and barosso you will get judged for what you are doing to the people in Europe and may you be deservedly punished for your criminal selfish acts in the next life may you go where you belong
Talking of handouts, Greece will need two more according to people who know about these things·
This article had been up for 5 hours and so few comments. Nothing for the moaners & blamers?
Appears comments submitted have been blocked!! Surely Barroso is not blocking Irish publications ?
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