It’s a bank holiday Monday in Ireland. It was cold last night – minus five. The sky is blue, the frost has gone, except when shadows keep back the heat of the sun. It’s a glorious day. Our economy seems knackered. After the pride of the Celtic Tiger follows the ignomy of basket-case economy. The banks have had us. A government that has lost its moral right to govern persists in holding on, avoiding the electorate, terrified that they will be annihilated. The new government in the UK has a four-year mandate. Our discredited government has only a legal mandate, and the longer they cling to power, the more surely it will be pulled from their grasp come election day. They should call an election now and we could proceed through the next four years with a government – whatever government would be formed – with the credibility to lead us through for the next four crucial years. Shame on you Mr Cowen for not calling an election now and seeking the mandate of your boss – the people – to proceed. You will not hide from the people forever.