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.
If a balance in policy between pro-enterprise and pro-redistribution is to be maintained, those who believe in that balance, and the pro-enterprise part of it in particular, will need to up their game in the years ahead.
Ireland is in a bubble, not one related to credit, but to complacency and a misunderstanding of the world as it now is.
While the Irish economy continues to thrive, it presents no justification for runaway budget spending and remains exposed to US risks – but still offers a healthier picture than those of its neighbours.
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