It’s become something of a cliché in Irish public discourse to worry out loud about the banking debt being left to our children and grandchildren. Should we worry about this, though? This post outlines the most likely scenario for just much of a burden Ireland’s banking debts are likely to be for our grandchildren, focusing in particular on the role of economic growth and inflation. Read more
Ireland’s general election is ten days away. This post outlines the two most important economic policy questions that people should ask their candidates. One is about banking debt and outlines a solution that saves EU face as well as Irish money. The second is about the deficit, which still dwarves the banking crisis and means tax rises and spending cuts are a necessary evil. Read more
This post examines Fintan O’Toole’s claim that the bank bailout has reduced Irish people to serfdom. In particular, it challenges the notion that the bank bailout is Ireland’s biggest economic problem, by comparing it to the budget deficit (and the national debt). It also challenges the idea that Ireland has no economic future and gives five grounds for optimism about those “lucky enough” to work in Ireland over the coming decade. Read more