Are we being told the truth?

Over the last few months in Ireland there has been much talk about the economic downturn and how it is a worlwide phenomenon.

Analysts, government officials, newspapers are continually talking about the worldwide slowdown in the economy.

True, stockmarkets around the world have slumped. But right now in Germany there is little or no sign of economic difficulty.

If anything, the economy seems to be on an upward trend. Mercedes is showing positive figures. But far more interesting, small industries are doing exceptionally well.

The Berlin skyline is packed with cranes. And in northern Bavaria, where I am at present, the economy is showing positive figures and there are no signs of trouble.

Yesterday I was talking to the owner of a small company, which sells and fits tiles and he tells me that his order books are full to capacity and he is working harder than ever.

Unemployment is at 2.5 per cent.

Is it that the Irish spin doctors are doing such a good job that we simply accept what they are telling us? Is it the old story about the Irish - our ability of accepting every nonsense we hear?

How many Irish newspapers have people on the ground in Germany telling the story as it is?

The Germans laugh when they hear that in Ireland depositors are only guaranteed €20.000 of their savings should the financial institution collapse. Why do we accept that? Why do we allow ourelves so often to be treated as morons? And then when people do stand up they are the subject of laughter.