Western economies are much less dependent on oil prices than during the Iranian revolution of 1979. But as Trump heads to China, geopolitical turmoil could be far from abating.
As oil and gas markets react to escalating tensions, the key question for Ireland is whether higher energy prices will trigger another inflation shock – or remain contained.
The US Supreme Court ruling is a constitutional landmark, but it does little to settle the deeper shift toward protectionism. For Europe — and especially Ireland’s pharma-driven economy — the outlook is increasingly fragile.
Housing trends in Ireland compare more favourably with peer countries than one might believe, including for younger people – but this does not mean current policy is adequate.
Reliance on US multinationals, risky energy supply, and low defence spending are all symptoms of insufficient adptation to the new world order among Irish political leaders.
As the US and China dominate a "might-is-right" world, Europe’s influence is shrinking. For a small, open economy like Ireland, strategic complacency is no longer an option.
From Irish politics to trends in tax and trend and geopolitical shifts, this year has brought good and bad news to those looking for economic stability.
Beyond the culture-war rhetoric, the Trump administration's positioning is positive for Irish energy supply and ineffectual on EU politics – but worrying on defence.
The slowdown is not yet pointing to a recession. But why run both a security and political risk when there is no need to run either?
It is long past time that a full-time defence minister be appointed and the government prioritises what is the first duty of all governments – securing the state and its citizens.
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