There's a lot of talk about green shoots lately.
Ireland has exited the bailout (after paying obscene amounts of money to save banks and bond holders).
Unemployment is down (after thousands of young people have emigrated).
There's been a spate of job announcements (but also job loses).
Production and consumer confidence is up so the government is keen to spin a positive story.
But it's harder to see the green shoots from the ground.
For anyone out of work or leaving education, there are few opportunities to be had.
Those lucky enough to have held onto their jobs have experienced pay cuts and pay freezes as well as having to pay higher taxes and charges.
Our health service is a shambles and now the country faces a multi-million Euro bill to repair the damage caused by winter storms.
So, the green shoots may be there, but they have a long way to go before they bloom.