Some recruiters complain while other celebrate (see post: A recession is the best time to be in the recruiting business!) the times like these where not much is certain from the business perspective. Your major clients my go under tomorrow, but co can you major competitors! Those who get trough those tough times with their head above the water will come out stronger and positioned great for growth in the future recruitemnt and jobs market..
Downturn in economy? What downturn? Look at the like of the companies hiring:
http://www.jobs-ireland.ie/blog/recruiters-in-ireland/.