Comment: Moment of truth for Coalition

The Government is setting its stall very high on getting a deal this year on bank debt.

As the March 31 deadline for making the latest payment draws near, Taoiseach Enda Kenny laid down a marker over the weekend on getting a deal, raising the stakes considerably, despite mixed mood music from Europe.

The country badly need relief on its bank debt, that goes without saying.

To date we have been exemplary in the way we have dealt with this crisis, and we are continually told that we are an example for the rest of Europe.

However, it is of little use been the poster boys, if we are going to be continually faced with the punitive terms of what is a crippling bank debt.

There is a lot at stake here, not least the reputation of the Government.

Progress is needed on this issue, and the moment of truth is drawing near.