Without strong banks there could never be a strong economy, he argued.

Even our largest and strongest banks are not given a competitive posture.

Only stronger banks, she argued, will have the means to take the loan losses.

The Japanese proposal has raised sensitive questions on the use of public money to help weak and strong banks alike.

The reforms include a balanced budget, a strong central bank that can limit inflation and a national tax system.

They're in weakened condition, and a stronger bank is what we need to get out of this recession.

Only a few strong banks appear to have bucked this trend.

Having a strong, independent central bank which can issue eurobonds would have calmed the markets two years ago.

This would be the clearest break from the current system in which all banks, strong and weak, are pulled along together by the Government.

"I asked them if they were a strong bank and they said, 'Yeah, no problems.' "