Grim Outlook - The deleveraging of private sector debt looks set to rein back growth in the Irish economy until 2010 Brian's Dreamland - Economists believe Brian Lenihan's tax expectations for 2009 are far too optimistic and that only a cull of the public service can sort out Exchequer finances Sterling Impact - The slide in the value of sterling against the euro is a double blow for the indigenous manufacturing sector Exchequer Woes: Government finances are plunging deeper into the red as tax revenues falter and public spending powers ahead Skirting Recession: Black clouds continue to gather over the Irish economy with economists predicting no improvement until 2010 Confidence Dented: Business confidence among firms in the service sector is at its lowest level since the aftermath of 9/11 House Prices Sliding: The rate of house price decline has eased but tougher borrowing terms will likely mean the slump will continue Average earnings increased by over 5% through 2007 but Bank of Ireland expects more modest growth this year Nervous Consumers: Consumer sentiment fell in February following a string of job losses and many consumers now expect the economy to weaken in 2008, No More Celtic Tiger: Economic growth in 2008 is likely to be about half that in 2007 as the construction slowdown bites, but inflation should come under control Economic growth will slow in 2008, mainly due to fewer houses being built. But the provisions of Budget 2008 should ensure that business activity across most sectors will remain strong