Watson appointed to bank inquiry

Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has appointed a second expect to the preliminary investigation into the Irish banking collapse…

Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has appointed a second expect to the preliminary investigation into the Irish banking collapse.

Max Watson, a fellow of Wolfson College and director of research at the financial consultancy John Howell and Co, will collaborate with Klaus Regling on one of the investigations.

They will co-author a report to be presented to the Minister.

Mr Lenihan said the experience Mr Watson would bring – he worked with the International Monetary Fund between 1979 and 2002 – would be very valuable.

“This experience will enable Mr Watson to provide valuable insights to the preliminary investigation into the banking crisis that will complement that of Mr Regling,” Mr Lenihan said.

Mr Lenihan said he was confident the report would “identify the central causes of the crisis and provide a firm basis for the work of the statutory Commission of Inquiry”.

Mr Regling was appointed last month.

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