Dear Jean-Claude, I imagine that many of your fellow heads of government look to you from time to time for guidance on how you have managed to succeed. Praise for Mr Juncker must also pay tribute to his leadership skills – as President of the Eurogroup – during the current financial and economic crisis.
Competition is growing more intense; there is a price to be paid and this is perhaps reflected in the recent closures of local branches which can no longer be subsidised. The Irish banks must be cost efficient in order to maintain their position. This is the background against which the regulator must operate. A high level of professionalism is demanded.