It is important that we do not talk down the economy. In many respects, the economy is in a strong position. I read over the weekend some of the problems faced by the German economy with some 4.5 million people unemployed, a yawning deficit and unsustainable social provisions. The Irish economy is in a much stronger position than that. There is a temptation in the media to preach economic hell and damnation. Sometimes the Opposition succumb to that as well. The former Taoiseach, Mr. Lemass, used to criticise the Department of Finance for its inverted Micawberism, always waiting for something to turn down. That is a temptation that should be resisted.