On State involvement in the banking sector, Mr Lenihan said he did not favour taking shares in banks if it could be avoided.

"I don't believe the State should be taking risks on private enterprise. If there's a need for rationalisation in the banking industry then lets get on with that," he said.

Only the shareholders take risks, well known fact.

Who the fuck do they think they're kidding? (Apart from the Dáil)

A vivid image of what should exist acts as a surrogate for reality. Pursuit of the image then prevents pursuit of the reality -- John K. Galbraith