Canada is once again the focus of the new US administration. The threat of tariffs lingers, and there's a more sinister suggestion of border changes around the Great Lakes. Is Canada being pushed to become the 51st state?

Forecasts for recession in the United States are picking up, driven by the government slowdown. The new administration is talking about excluding the government from its GDP calculation. But does this really work?

The Irish housing crisis continues to bubble in the background amid all this global tension. David has a new article in the Irish independent on the topic of RPZ rent controls. We discuss the merits of lifting this policy and the impact on renters.

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Dale McDermott 

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David W. Higgins  

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Europe is now scrambling. The decades-long US security guarantee is falling apart. The US is siding with Russia and elbowing out its ally in Ukraine. Must Europe now build a common military force to fill the void? What’s Ireland’s role in all this?

The CSO reports that wage growth remains high. As inflation has lowered, we’re now in a period of real wage growth. However, wage growth is still behind house price growth. New data also shows harmony between workers and employers. Has the WRC and Labour Court crushed the need for strikes?

You’ve heard of the Coppers Gold Card, but what about one for America? That’s Trump’s latest idea. Many countries have similar schemes for a golden visa. You invest in a country, and citizenship rules are eased. But does it actually work?

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Dale McDermott

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David W. Higgins

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With Irish government spending surpassing €100bn this year, we ask whether a body for “government efficiency” is needed. David fills us in on an article he wrote in the Irish Independent this week. DOGE may not be the best fit for Ireland, but something is needed.

US Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Munich Security Conference this week. In a landmark speech, he attacked democracy in Europe, sided with local right-wing parties, and called for more spending on defence. But is this hypocrisy from an administration which doesn’t believe it lost the 2020 election?

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes are being rolled back across organisations. We debate whether this is right, or just perpetuating the same people hiring people like them. Maybe there’s some merit in organisations hiring staff that reflects their customers?

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David W. Higgins  

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Make Ireland Poor Again. David tells us why he now uses this phrase to describe a new group of people in Ireland. They’re the voices that have resurfaced to once again call on the Taoiseach to boycott a meeting with the US President on St. Patrick’s Day. With thousands of jobs on the line from tariffs, the last thing any country should consider is ignoring the new US administration.

The CSO’s latest release of the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) survey shows a challenging picture for 25-year-olds in Ireland. 7-in-10 report still living with their parents. But this is considerably higher than at the 2022 census. We discuss the different measures of this data and what is or isn’t included in each.

The UK’s economic woes are once again on our minds. Their wide government deficit and current account deficit (twin deficits) paints a bleak picture. Growth remains sluggish and the Bank of England has cut by 25bps, citing this growth as a key concern. Some BoE members even voted for a 50bps cut. We discuss the bleak picture, but also consider ways for the UK to pull through.

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Dale McDermott 

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David W. Higgins  

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What’s really happening in Ireland’s housing market? Despite a flood of recent data—housing starts rising, completions falling, and mortgage approvals surging—the picture remains murky. 

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is turning the heat on its closest neighbours with fresh tariff threats against Canada and Mexico. We dive into what this means and how incoming Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick’s philosophy could reshape U.S. trade policy.

Plus, a major “vibe shift” in social media: Mark Zuckerberg is scrapping Meta’s fact-checkers in favour of an X-style community notes system. What does this mean for the future of online engagement?

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Dale McDermott 

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David W. Higgins  

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As we kick off the new year, we dive into the Australian property market, exploring the potential for a bubble as prices slow after years of growth. With many young Irish choosing to move Down Under for a better life, we discuss David W. Higgins’ recent article in The Irish Times, which warns that Australia’s economic prosperity, largely driven by mining, may be unsustainable due to falling commodity prices and China's shifting economic model. With Dry January upon us, new research from Heineken and the University of Oxford reveals that while most consumers find it acceptable to choose no- or low-alcohol drinks when out, social pressure still leads many to opt for alcohol. We explore the rise of the zero-alcohol sector—could Gen Z be driving this trend with the help of "splitting the G"? Finally, we focus on the start of a new parliamentary term in Ireland, where the opposition’s priorities, particularly around housing and social issues, are becoming clearer on the left wing. At the same time, the right wing’s stance remains less defined amid ongoing coalition negotiations.

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Dale McDermott 

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David W. Higgins  

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We review the exciting year that was 2024. Ireland kept the Apple money, budget surplus, UK election, France legislative election, Hate speech bill dropped, Euro/local elections, family / care referendums, Bambi Thug, the New York portal, inflation quashed, rates lowered, wages high, Leo resignation, Harris new Taoiseach, Micheál Martin's great survival, 10pc house price growth, record homelessness, the Aer Lingus strike and passenger cap. 

We look forward to covering even more in 2025. 

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Dale McDermott 

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David W. Higgins  

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WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 

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With the dust settling after Ireland’s 2024 general election, we unpack its fractured results and the intricate coalition negotiations now underway as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael navigate options against the backdrop of pressing challenges like housing, healthcare, and climate action.  

We also spotlight the 20th anniversary of the Residential Tenancies Board, exploring the regulators' role in the context of soaring rents, newly designated Rent Pressure Zones and its role in Ireland’s rental market.  

Lastly, we turn to President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, analysing historical lessons and the potential ripple effects on global trade, U.S. businesses and consumer costs. Will they damage Ireland’s prospects?  

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Dale McDermott 

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David W. Higgins  

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With just two days until voters in Ireland head to the polls, we dive into the shifting dynamics revealed by this week’s surprising poll results and analyse last night’s debate between the leaders of Ireland's three main parties.

We also explore Fine Gael's new proposal—the Acorn Savings Account policy—introduced in their 2024 General Election manifesto. This policy promises to give every child born in Ireland a financial head start, but critics argue that it may exacerbate existing inequalities, as families with more significant financial means are more likely to make additional contributions, leading to larger savings for their children. 

Finally, we discuss a new study by Women’s Aid and Core, highlighting that 40% of Irish men still hold traditionalist views on masculinity. What does this mean for modern gender roles and the societal progress Ireland needs to make?

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Dale McDermott 

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David W. Higgins  

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WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 

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Eoghan Murphy was Ireland’s housing minister between 2017 and 2020. He faced the most difficult challenge in government at the time, the challenge of rapidly growing homeless numbers, a dormant construction industry, and rising rents. His departure from cabinet was soon followed by his full exit from politics in 2021. He has spent the time since writing his memoirs. 

Running From Office: Confessions of Ambition and Failure in Politics is his account of that time, and the period after his entry to politics at the 2009 local elections. In this episode, we get to know the real “Murph” (the nickname bestowed on him on Callan's Kicks, the RTÉ satirical radio show). His time in politics was woven among many personal challenges, including his relationships with others and his mental health.  

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Dale McDermott 

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David W. Higgins  

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WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 

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