John Browne

With all the talk about Zombie banks I can’t help but wonder how many of our banks have actually joined the ranks of the undead. The more I read in the papers the more I have this sinking feeling that they’re all Zombies. Just looking at some of their current share prices (AIB 39cent, BOI 19cent, IL&P 63cent, Anglo nationalised) and the downgrades they’ve received from the big international banks and rating agencies, it looks like investors have no confidence at all in our financial institutions.
Given that the governemnet is underwriting these banks and that it’s own financial position is arguably in worse position one can’t help but wonder if we’re living in a Zombie country.
In modern mmythology and by that I mean the movies, Zombies seem to be created by bizarre rituals performed by high priests in secret ceremonys and the zombies then go on to create other zombies by taking their pounds of flesh. Does this seem familiar to anyone.
It would seem that the glib metaphore of the Zombie is becoming more and more apt every day when applied to our current financial predicament.
In watching the tv the other night I happened upon a well known fantasy programme in which zombies were running amok. These Zombies were described as “slow moving dimwitted creatures who are dangerous in numbers and can only be stopped by means of decapitation or severe cranial damage inflicted by bludgeoning”. Hmm maybe they’re on to something here.

In the immortal words of the Queen of Hearts “Off with their heads”