The political economy of the budget: 'One of the most prosperous countries on earth' or 'a dystopian hell-hole'? The answer matters. A lot.
Budget 2022 arrives with amazing news about Ireland’s fiscal position. For once it is unambiguously good news. Why not spend all those extra tax revenues on much needed infrastructure? Health and hous...
9 Okt 202138min
Booming tax revenues and difficult political choices. The madness of King Boris: He's invented anti-business Neanderthal Thatcherism.
Ireland’s tax take is extremely buoyant, at least for the first 9 months of the year. What to spend all the money on? can it last?Boris Johnson has discovered an economic ideology. One that makes no s...
6 Okt 202137min
Global economy screeching to a halt? How bad will it get? The first official acknowledgement that Brexit might just have something to do with British chaos. Brexit did, after all, mean Brexit.
The world economy is slowing down. Asia, including China, is weakening. European indicators are flashing Amber. Britain’s bosses are warning about a collapse in confidence. The energy shock, if it per...
2 Okt 202136min
Is an energy crisis about to derail the world economy? Brexit as it was foretold. Time to get real - and honest - about the environment
Rising oil and gas prices join the long list of things joining the inflation party. How are central banks going to react? Is this the end of the long party for stock markets?Is this an energy crisis t...
29 Sep 202138min
In conversation with journalist, author and broadcaster Duncan Weldon. '200 years of Muddling Through.' Why is the UK in its current state? Look at where it has come from.
We ignore history. Policymakers certainly do. But there is very little new under the sun. Duncan Weldon reminds us that we ignore history at our peril. And peril is where we are at. There is so much i...
24 Sep 202149min
China crisis? Cost of living crisis? It's a gas. Ireland in 2021 viewed from the 1980s: nobody would believe it.
Is China and it’s indebted property companies reliving the West’s Great Financial Crisis?Gas prices and inflation and a cost of living crisis? Empty shelves for Christmas? Regular journey’s by road an...
23 Sep 202138min
Time to abolish the budget? Fat chance. Take fiscal policy away from politicians! Why is the system so unreformable?
The annual budget circus has started. Love Island is more entertaining and only marginally less significant. Why do we do this to ourselves?Years ago, politicians deemed themselves incapable of managi...
15 Sep 202133min
Remembering 9/11
Some personal reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.And some stuff on the budget and interest rates This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acce...
11 Sep 202137min
