“The level of uncertainty that’s there is really, really high because people can’t predict”

In a perfect illustration of coalition politics, Budget 2024 allocates some windfall corporation tax to future current spending, some to the stability of capital expenditure, some to green policies - and most to an immediate giveaway.

The examiner of insolvent fit-out firm Mac Interiors has been given until tomorrow to present revised proposals to the High Court to save the beleaguered firm from collapse amid confirmation that original investor Errigal has pulled out of the rescue scheme.

As CFO for World Rugby, Robert Brophy was instrumental in building the Rugby World Cup and in leading the financial development of the game. He is now taking that skillset to a senior role with fast growing Interpath Advisory.

Over the coming Budgets, the government could sleepwalk into a system where it covers the full cost of childcare – but at an acute social cost of parents and providers being unable to have any flexibility.

The iconic Clerys building on O'Connell Street is due to reopen its doors at Christmas. However, UK chain clothes retailer Flannels has purportedly walked from a €1.2 million annual lease agreement at the store, the High Court has been told.

The Revenue Commissioners may have scuppered the proposed rescue scheme for fit out firm Mac Interiors but the High Court has given examiner Kieran Wallace until tomorrow to bring a new survival scheme before the court for approval.

Kingsbridge Healthcare Group has revenues of over £150 million and owns four acute hospitals, including one in Sligo. PWC in London is working on the sale of the group, a transaction that will attract considerable interest.

HLB Ireland is offering cybersecurity and IT services to the HLB network overseas with its partner FutureRange. It is also looking for acquisitions in Ireland and Britain.

I hope you do read the book, because then you’ll realise why Ireland, with its strategic positioning connecting Europe and the United States (especially with the Biden White House), is under increasing influence by the Chinese Communist Party. Without us even noticing, it seems…

In a wide-ranging interview, Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik talks to Dion Fanning about becoming leader, the threat from populism and why she believes Labour’s flat-lining in the polls is not reflective of the party's position.