In fairness, it's no news to anyone – at this stage – that Ireland is struggling in the face of a global recession made worse by the bursting of a massive housing bubble and according to this book, the economy has been exposed for for what it is – deficient in sustainable activity and employment.

Picking up the pieces attempts to identify where it all went wrong and why we are now all in such a vulnerable position. What must we do in the future to gain back, not just the confidence of the international business community, but also confidence in ourselves and our real skills and strengths?

Power, himself believes that the country needs decisive, non populist leadership with a vision for the long term economic welfare of Ireland. Vested interest groups, he says, must never be allowed to exert undue influence on policy making at the expense of the greater good.

The book also points out that while there is no silver bullet solution to Ireland's current difficulties, it will not take rocket science to find the solution and that the time has come for those who have the best interests of the country at heart to force our flawed political establishment to do the right thing.

This book also probes the questions that face us as a nation at this crucial time and with realism and insight, offers ideas for how we can realise our potential as an economy and a society.

Jim Power is a well known economic commentator and is currently chief economist with Friends First . This book is now available in all good book stores.