It was a funny thing to say, but I find the response more depressing, as often is the case.
As dewdrop has observed, the story dovetails nicely with Ireland qualifying for Poland. It's about time, for those of us in a position to, to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and get out and live a bit.
If 20% of people are feeling the pinch and can't take a mini-break, I sympathise, but it won't stop me from doing so or even talking about doing so and people should not jump down my throat at the mere suggestion I might go on a holiday or think others who can afford to should do likewise.
The domestic economy has stalled despite the fact that there are plenty of people still have money. This is beacuse they are not spending it due to the gloom and doom we are wallowing in.
Money in the bank is dead money to the economy right now as it is only being repatriated to the EU paymasters. Yes we need to save, yes we need to pay down debt and in normal circumstances more savings and less debt will lead to higher investment as the banks recirculate the extra liquidity.
These are not normal circumstances though, those who can afford to spend in the domestic economy need to be gven every encouragement to do so. Leo's got the right idea at the back of it all.