On May 1st, 2003, George W Bush stood on the USS Abraham Lincoln, in front of a giant Mission Accomplished banner and declared the Iraq war had been won. The Government would be wise to learn from his mistakes as we prepare to see data that shows the economy returned to growth in the first half of the year.
September 3, 2010
In the midst of this economic depression we are painfully short of heroes. Maybe because of this there is no shortage of villains. If a villain wields great power over your destiny then it’s preferable if they are faceless, not based in Ireland and if they already have a bad reputation. That way by attacking them you have little to lose.
August 30, 2010
Over the last week the spread on Irish Credit Default Swaps increased considerably. This put Ireland as the second highest risk in the Euro Zone. This measures the likelihood of a default on our Government Debt.
This is very much at odds with the rhetoric from this Government which regularly references our international reputation. We’ve seen other economies (Portugal and Spain) introduce more budgetary cuts. We’ve also seen the cost of our banking plans increase.
Last week we had to offer a better yield in a debt auction. Today the NTMA are looking to auction another €1.5 billion. What happens will be the real test of our reputation.
August 17, 2010
Report Believes Current Reforms are a “Missed Opportunity”
A new report appraising the crucial upcoming changes to the EU Stability and Growth Pact and examining what impact they are likely to have on Ireland’s economy will be launched tomorrow, (14th) at 11:30 am in the AV Room of Leinster House.
The EU Stability and Growth Pact is a major agreement which limits budget deficits in EU countries. It dictates the rules for member States of euro zone.
The report critically analyses how Ireland can regain its prosperity and security when so many policy tools such as interest and exchange rate adjustments are no longer decided at national level.
The report will argue that Ireland must now be assertive in stating that the suggested reforms of the EU Stability and Growth Pact are a missed opportunity to broaden the measures for economic success and establish good budgetary practices in EU members States including Ireland.
The report has been written on behalf on the Committee, by Senator Paschal Donohoe. Senator Donohoe and other Committee members will be in attendance and available for questions.
July 13, 2010
Globalisation once appeared inevitable and irreversible. The ability of capital, labour and information to flow instantly around the world made national borders appear irrelevant.
June 2, 2010
Posting tweet...
