Time to nationalise the banks

■ In view of the arrogance and long-standing maltreatment of their clients, surely it is now time for the banks in Ireland to be nationalised?

That the financially marginalised and disadvantaged make no impact on the consciences of either the banks or successive governments of this country has now, yet again, been shamelessly demonstrated.

Nobody seems prepared to take responsibility in our laissez faire society.

Weighed down by the all-butimpossible conditions of mortgages and loans, stripped of their humanity and Christian dignity, the weak are ignominiously cast aside to fend for themselves on the waste heaps of our society.

Why should this be the lot of so many young and old decent people in the new Ireland?

The banks cannot be trusted to rectify their injustices.

It now seems that the Finance Minister has signalled his unwillingness and inability to stand up to these financial institutions. And why?

The banks simply refuse to be told what to do, which might result in them relinquishing power over voiceless, distressed and suffering clients, our brothers and sisters.

The silence and passivity of our people may yet give way to strife and violence.

Away with the tolerance of thinly veiled criminality and national greediness, which have become a cancer in our society.

Rev dD rT hom as SR OF lynn OP Tallaght, Dublin 24