Comment: Irish economy able to step up to 2008 challenges

Worldwide - unless you own an oil well, are a dairy farmer in New Zealand, a base metals miner or shareholder, an investor in the Baltic Dry index, or simply a Chinese or Indian entrepreneur in virtually any sector - it is a period of major uncertainty.

The credit crunch is a reality, reinforced day-by-day, and likely to remain for many months to come.

Western economies, including Ireland, are facing their greatest challenge ...