Gillian Bowler

It should go without saying that the woman who attacked Irish Life & Permanent boss Gillian Bowler (above) last weekend is a thundering halfwit. So too are the people who have taken it upon themselves to verbally abuse bank employees, as though they had some responsibility for the reckless and often dishonest practices indulged in by their employers.

They have no such responsibility. Most of them are relatively poorly paid people who, because they work for untrustworthy institutions, are now in very insecure jobs. The bank recapitalisation means nothing to them because the government couldn't be bothered to make job security a condition of handing over the €7bn. If you must have contact with your local bank staff then, bring them some sweets and sympathy. They deserve it.