The public sector remains shielded

So Ireland has passed its latest examination by the EU/ECB/IMF troika with flying colours. But these quarterly reviews are not the trial by ordeal that they seem. The fact is that the government is in pretty much daily contact with officials from these bodies, especially at this time of the year when budgets and spending plans are being constructed.

If the Irish bailout was coming unstuck, as the Greek one has, the troika ...