Especially given the weakness in the commodities in response to the rise in the dollar which was driven, at least in part, by talk of risk aversion in Europe.

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"With key components like household spending and investment set to fall considerably further in response to the weakness of the housing market, the labour market and bank lending, we remain unconvinced that recent 'green shoots' will translate into a return to decent growth next year, " he said.

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His response to this newfound weakness has been to put himself into the public eye seemingly around the clock.

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In response to the property market's weakness, the government has tried aggressive resuscitation, including a discount on land-registry transfer duties.

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"Danny Kennedy's response to recent legal cases displays a serious weakness as a minister and will have longer term implications both for ministerial authority and the ability to investigate allegations made by civil servants and others, " Mr Murphy said.

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