They gave us money to continue to provide public services, pay public service salaries and pensions, make social welfare payments and keep the country running. People were encouraged, instead, to fear them. Similarly, we must view the European Stability Mechanism as another safety net which we will access if we are unable to return to the bond markets. Contrary to Sinn Féin's description of the bond markets as some kind of refuge, they are full of sharks who will do everything possible to make a few quid.