It isn't often that bankers can be said to be deserving of praise for plain speaking, but the newly-installed president of the Irish Bankers' Federation, Sean Fitzpatrick, breaks the mould.

Admitting that public perception of the industry had been tarnished by allegations over DIRT irregularities "with some justification", the head of Anglo Irish Bank called on members to commit themselves to re-establish the reputation to which they aspired".

Mr Fitzpatrick also launched a broadside at Minister Charlie McCreevy over talk of plans to remove money from dormant accounts after only five years and related plans not to include credit union accounts.

Of more interest to most people is how they will be able to retrieve money which is rightfully theirs after it has been snaffled by the State and what will be the undoubted cost?

Dominic Coyle is at dcoyle@irish-times.ie