Scot-free bankers

Published on 25/06/2012 00:00

I NOTE you report that Archie Kane, having “retired” from Lloyds Banking Group, is back in business.

You indicate that he is to be the next governor of the Bank of Ireland. Your article tells us that his “experience in dealing with a bank that has part state ownership, will be of great assistance in his new post” – given that the Bank of Ireland is some 15 per cent owned by the government.

It is a great pity, that you did not mention his experience of causing banks to seek state assistance. He is, after all, one of the five legends, who took the “Black Horse” to the door of the knacker’s yard. Now, we find he is again to be rewarded for his experience in dealing with a mess he helped create in the first place!

I am sick to the back teeth of the relentless pursuit of the officials of the Royal Bank of Scotland – especially Goodwin – while the executive directors of Lloyds get off scot free. Daniels – now working with Storm Harbour as an adviser; Kane – off the the Emerald Isle; Tookey – off to Friends Life; Wer – off to John Lewis; Tate – continues to sit at home with his year’s salary being paid, followed by his enhanced pension; Hornby – hired this week by Pharmacy2U as chairman, and still staying at Coral as well.

Where is the justice? Both banks were brought to their knees by the actions of their boards, yet not one executive director at Lloyds has paid the price. Contrast this with the Royal Bank. Just how is this nonsense possible, and when is Vince Cable going to look into the Lloyds fiasco ?

ALAN CROMBIE

Almond Way Glenrothes