John Looby: Why sell AIB Minister Noonan?
For the sake of his legacy, and the better protection of future taxpayers, Noonan needs to re-think his plan, writes John Looby
History is likely to be kind to Michael Noonan. In general, his success in shepherding the economy through much of the post-crash trauma will be lauded. More particularly, he will be remembered for his skilful management of public, market and Troika expectations, and for the remarkable renegotiation of the Anglo-Irish Promissory notes.
However, no political career escapes error, and our esteemed finance minister seems determined to make a major one in what is likely to be his final few months in office. Theinexplicable rush to sell AIB risks ruining his legacy, and more importantly, it risks setting off a ticking financial time-bomb which may ultimately explode to the great cost of the taxpayer.
