Let's see how (read if) the recovery measures work out (or don't) first. This is primarily a financial issue, not a nationalistic one, and it would have been largely avoidable with some foresight and precautionary measures by the government. The country is a vastly different place from what it was in the 1920's: I don't know how many here would want to risk becoming an independent entity right now, or how - realistically - we'd cope.

One big difference in the times is that we are now part of Europe and all share a common currency. For the euro's sake, the EC needs for Ireland not to fail economically. Just have to wait and see, though it's going to be a long haul.