Miriam Lord writes in today’s Irish Times about the busy day yesterday – attending the Dáil commemoration and the recalling of the Oireachtas to debate the legislation needed to nationalise Anglo Irish Bank. The first event was mixed with the vibe of the second it seems.

Yet even though the country is going through “turmoil� at present, things could be far, far worse.

“In our time, on an island at peace, no-one will be asked to lay down their life for their country, as the generation we celebrate today did,� declared the Taoiseach in a speech marking the 90th anniversary of the first meeting of Dáil Éireann.

You can’t say fairer than that.

Yes, you may lose your job, house, savings, car, salary, overtime, medical card, carer’s allowance, tax relief, marbles . . . but be of good cheer. The Government promises that, no matter how bad it gets, they won’t shoot anyone.

That’s great isn’t it!

You won’t get shot down either if you stop talking down the banks, economy or government either it seems. Brian Lenihan continues the government spin line yesterday (started by Micheal Martin on Monday nights Questions and Answers) giving out about opposition – either in politics or in the media.

The Taoiseach wrote to opposition leaders yesterday to tell them it was important (in the national interest probably!) that ‘public commentary does not undermine stability in the financial system.’

So I wonder when journalists, bloggers, people calling radio programmes or talking about the state of the country over a pint in the pub can expect their letters from the Taoiseach?

Will there be a list of phrases we are not allowed use? I’ve already heard we should not use ‘Banana Republic’ – and not for respect for those country’s dependent on trade from Bananas.

So before my hand is smacked I think you should watch and sing along to this – (embedding has been disabled unfortunately)

I’ve been watching it since news came of nationalisation last week. Maybe someone could rewrite the words for Bob or maybe add an extra verse?

And what other phrases are banned from the lexicon in the national interest? I need a list!