"The fundamentals in Ireland remain positive. Government policy, business leadership and media coverage have to recognise that."

Derek Quinlan, property investment adviser, writing in 'The Irish Times' on 12 August 2008

"None of our banks in Ireland

is in the remotest area of trouble or of any concern."

Noel Smyth, property developer and solicitor, writing in 'The Irish Times' on 17 September 2008

"(The profits) reflect the commitment of our people, deep customer relationships across geographically diverse franchises and a resilient risk management frame-work. All of these enable us to continue to operate effectively in the current challenging environment."

Eugene Sheehy, AIB chief executive, announcing the bank's €1.28 billion profits for the first half of the year on 30 July 2008

"We have been prudent in our stress testing and it has proven to be robust."

Brian Goggin, Bank of Ireland chief executive, speaking at the annual meeting of the 'court' on 8 July 2008

"I reject the suggestion that banks have been foolhardy in recklessly lending and driving up values. We are in competition right across the board and I cannot think of a bank that has been reckless."

Willie McAteer, executive director of Anglo Irish Bank, speaking to the Oireachtas finance committee on 2 July 2008

"We are often wrong but we have a strong belief that we have significant and sufficient capital to meet even worse scenarios than we envisage. If bad debts and the economy get worse, we believe we are sufficiently capitalised."

Richie Boucher, head of Bank of Ireland's retail operations in Ireland, speaking to the Oireachtas finance committee on 2 July 2008