A decade ago, unravelling banks were dragging Ireland deeper into the financial crisis. In a last-ditch attempt to circumvent contagion, Nama was established just ten years ago this week. Eight months later, the late Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan would head to Brussels to request a €67.5 billion bailout from the EU and the IMF after receiving a letter from European Central Bank (ECB) president Jean-Claude Trichet outlining this as a condition for liquidity to keep flowing into the beleaguered Irish financial system. Today, Trichet (77) looks on as Europe battles to contain another form of contagion – that from…

Join The Currency

INTRODUCTORY OFFER.

Sign up today: Full annual membership for just €200.

Don’t miss out on what is going on with our daily unique stories from our team of skilled journalists and insightful commentators.

Members of The Currency get full access to over 3,700 exclusive interviews, investigations, and analysis, plus over 360 podcasts.

Annual membership is just €200 for the first year, a saving of €100.

Or try The Currency for the first month for a special introductory rate of €5, a saving of €20.

Cancel at any time.

To become a member today click here.