Comments on: Icesave counselling session, Part I

By: sylvia hikins

sylvia hikins — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:35:45 +0000

I take the point Alda, but what a poison chalice she has picked up. She once said that her time would come, but did anyone think it would be in such circumstances.
I presume any proposals for joining the EU would go to a referendum?
sylvia from viking wirral

By: Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:34:10 +0000

As a Conservative and UKIP voter, I have to say, I hope Iceland fights its corner. Whether that involves simply rejecting Icesave – you didn’t sign up for it – or rejecting the EU. The Euro is flawed , and the Eurozone (Euro countries) will, at some point, break apart. Europe is simply a new Soviet structure – maybe with a bit more bureaucracy.
When people like Jolly talk about the danger of a currency for a small country – they are speaking rubbish. Look at the city state of Singapore – there you will see the almost complete opposite of the French idea – we all pay for their agriculture industry.

As for the PM running to the EU, that’s just sad. Iceland has natural resources – simply doesn’t need the EU, it has plenty of commodities to trade with Asia.

By: alda

alda — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:21:24 +0000

sylvia – alas, I beg to differ. I’m afraid Jóhanna has disappointed many, many of us. I get the distinct feeling that she’s having trouble coping with her role. Steingrímur is pulling the cart – that’s obvious to everyone around here.

Yes, she’s off to Europe, but I’m pretty sure it’s not to speak in measured tones about the situation here. Her party wants EU accession and that’s what this is about. Meanwhile, there are very, very serious problems at home that should be demanding her attention.

And as for the other “politicians” — I suspect you’re referring to Ólafur, and technically, he’s not a politician. This is why he’s being criticized so heavily for what he’s doing.

By: sylvia hikins

sylvia hikins — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:44:40 +0000

Johanna is playing her cards right, going out and telling every one in a measured tone just what the situation is. Quiet reasoning in a stateswomanlike manner. Much more likely to get results than the histrionic television appearances of at least one of your politicians. I just hope you all stick with her- I see her as a ray of hope in a world wide political scene that is dominated by testosterone!
sylvia from viking wirral

By: Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:21:05 +0000

Oh god, you know a country is in trouble if its PM thinks having anything to do with the EU is the answer.

By: Joerg

Joerg — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:35:33 +0000

I gather from the news from the PM’s office, that this meeting is not so secret any more:

http://eng.forsaetisraduneyti.is/news-and-articles/nr/4134

“Baroso is the captain of a leaking ship”

Calling Barroso the “captain” is quite overstating his position, I suppose. He is pretty much under pressure from the big EU member states and now even from the EU parliament, showcased at the example of the SWIFT agreement.

By: Goupil

Goupil — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:09:07 +0000

I do not understand how an arch neo liberal like Barroso could be of any use to Iceland.
Baroso is the captain of a leaking ship whose planks are weakly held together by a currency and Zolverein.
Cheers

By: Eliza

Eliza — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:39:22 +0000

Funny how an online petition, which no assurance whatsoever on the real number of people who signed it, can change the fate of a country.
Sure this will be remembered in the annals of online democraty, or should I say online manipulation ?

By: kevin o'connor waterford Ireland

kevin o'connor waterford Ireland — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:16:53 +0000

You really are too much Alda how did you manage to get so lost where did it all go wrong , On to other business matters I notice that sunspots are predicted to increase and should maximise by 2012 which is good coz by then I should have enough for a holiday in Iceland which will nicely dovetail with my northern lights expedition.I think that tings is coming push to shove up there and once again they show unified front for da nation,which is nice. I hope coffeee tea or me gets to the EU before the greeks,Iceland is not the only country in the world thats bombed out there’s us for instance yes the PIGIES those weak countries that do not deserve to be in the mighty euro. Anyway Alda lovely sarcastic post you are really on form today tonight whatever.God bless Iceland.!!

By: Gloria

Gloria — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:55:06 +0000

I don’t know what that man is getting at. Johanna’s meeting is not so secret. There are public photos of her shaking hands with Jose Manuel Barroso. And while we’re on the topic, I think she is an incredibly courageous woman who has been very consistent in her message and her intent: to save Iceland. I don’t recall hearing reports of her whining or complaining (lamenting your President’s decision, perhaps, but even then she didn’t get personal as others might have done). She just moves forward. Quite admirable.