LAST week's ESRI report, detailing the enormous damage to our economy and society of monetarist austerity from now to 2014, highlights the dangers of an unthinking cosy consensus.

It was similar consensii that led to light regulation, low income tax, no wealth tax, Anglo, the building bubble, "go and commit suicide", "turning the corner" and Lisbon 2 (where the consensus had to be "encouraged").

Anyone brave enough to challenge this crazy consensus was arrogantly dismissed as an "economic illiterate", who shouldn't be listened to.

Now, amazingly, the Shinners are agreeing with mainstream economists like ESRI, Ray Kinsella and Colm Rapple. I hope that doesn't become another cosy consensus.

Dr Seán Marlow

90 Willow Park Road

Dublin11