A popular myth has emerged that Ireland is overflowing with oil and gas but is allowing foreign companies to get it for free. While Ireland probably does have about one trillion dollars worth of oil and gas off its shores, it is not as simple as just cashing it in. This post examines the facts behind Ireland’s oil and gas and outlines the three options open to the country. Read more
This week sees the launch of “Next Generation Ireland”, a book bringing together ten emerging Irish researchers across a range of fields. In this post, I go through what I have learnt from my experience editing the book, about challenges as diverse as engaging our Diaspora, climate change and Ireland’s foreign policy. Read more
The cost of accommodation is one of the most important measures of competitiveness for a city or region, as it determines local wages and prices levels. This post compares the cost of buying and renting property in four Irish cities with those of other eurozone cities. It finds, perhaps surprisingly, that Irish cities are very competitive – and getting more so. Read more
This post reviews the Programme for Government agreed by Ireland’s new coalition partners, across three headings. The first is the urgent problem of Ireland’s debt burden, the second is the more medium-term issue of the deficit, while the final heading covers the long-term issues of mortgage arrears and unemployment. While there are many things to be welcomed in the new Programme for Government, on these headings at least, there is an alarming lack of coherence and detail. Read more
Last week, Ireland had its most momentous election since 1932, when the Fianna Fail party that would dominate politics for 80 years was born. Aside from the politics, there are clear messages in the election. This post reviews, primarily for a non-Irish audience, two messages relating to Ireland’s debt burden – that voters do not want sovereign default but do not regard bank debt in that category – as well as the real underlying issues behind the voters’ choices. Read more