Next Round

By Dale McDermott & David W. Higgins

Next Round with Dale McDermott and David W. Higgins covers current issues in the Irish economy, politics and society. With one working abroad and one at home, we hope to give a global and young per

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FAQs about Next Round:

How many episodes does Next Round have?

The podcast currently has 40 episodes available.

Next Round episodes:

August 28, 2024 20| Hospitality 9% VAT & Oasis Gouging, Record Immigration, 250K Home Deficit, Earnings Up, CPI Down
As high-profile restaurants shutter their doors and price gouging concerns rise with the upcoming Oasis concert, we delve into the state of Ireland’s hospitality sector. With calls for a return of the 9% VAT rate, we debate whether it should be reinstated. Is this tax break crucial for the industry's survival, or is it enabling unfair pricing practices?

Ireland’s population has surged by 98,700 in the past year, marking the largest increase since 2008. However, with a pre-existing deficit of 256,000 homes as of 2022, we ask: Are we doing enough to build the infrastructure needed to support this growth? What does this mean for Ireland's future, and how can we address the housing crisis?

New CSO data reveals that earnings have increased by 5.6% on average over the last 12 months. But with skyrocketing rent and car insurance costs, is the inflation rate genuinely reflective of the everyday goods and services people rely on? We explore whether the official numbers align with the reality faced by consumers.

Correction: Around 18 minutes, the point was made that the 9% VAT on hospitality was in place prior to COVID. In fact, the temporary 9% VAT rate was enacted in November 2020, during the pandemic.

Follow us on social media:
www.instagram.com/nextroundpod
www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod
www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott
http://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott

David W. Higgins
https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw

WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
YouTube
www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716
Amazon
https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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47min
August 13, 2024 19| Olympics and OnlyFans, Can Ireland Host 2072, and New Data on Industrial Disputes
As Olympic athletes celebrate their homecomings, Dale raises the topic of OnlyFans, a platform used by many athletes to supplement their incomes and fund their dreams. Is this a tragedy or a triumph? We discuss the wider porn industry and the high engagement from creators and users.

Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has suggested that Ireland could host the 2072 Olympics, nearly 5 decades from now. Is this too grand an ambition or just right for a small country to aim for?

Finally, David talks through some new data on industrial relations. All is at peace, it seems, but history tells us that workers have previously taken to picket lines in great numbers to bargain for higher wages. Are those days destined to return?

Follow us on social media:

www.instagram.com/nextroundpod

www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod

www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott

http://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott

David W. Higgins

https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw

WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

YouTube

www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716

Amazon

https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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39min
August 07, 2024 18| Global Market Turmoil, Harris’s VP Pick and UK Riot Unrest
Amid recent market turmoil across the world, we dive into last week’s stock market turbulence and its implications. We discuss the fallout from speculative yen borrowing, disappointing jobs data, missed earnings from AI and the "Magnificent 7," and the Fed's decision to hold off on interest rate cuts. Is this the perfect storm or just August jitters? Plus, Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as her VP nominee—was it a mistake reminiscent of 2016? We analyse the electoral map, focusing on key states. In the UK, riots erupt over far-right misinformation. What’s fueling the unrest, and how does social media play a role?

Follow us on social media:
www.instagram.com/nextroundpod
www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod
www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott
http://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott

David W. Higgins
https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw

WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
YouTube
www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716
Amazon
https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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41min
August 01, 2024 17| “Bonkers” not to switch, with Daragh Cassidy. Mortgages, savings, energy, and more.
Daragh Cassidy is the current Head of Communications at bonkers.ie, the price comparison and switching website. Before joining bonkers.ie Daragh had over 10 years’ experience working in the banking and insurance industry. In his current role, Daragh regularly writes for the company’s popular blog and has appeared on numerous local and national radio and TV show to discuss personal finance matters, energy related topics, and consumer affairs.

We start by asking Daragh his journey to bonkers and the work he does there. Mortgages are a topic we discuss deeply, as the ECB now faces the challenge of slightly higher inflation than expected. Rates may stay higher for longer so it’s foolish to hold off buying your first home until they come down.

Revolut takes centre stage as we explore its success as a challenger bank and its planned venture into mortgage lending. But is it safe? Daragh unpacks the types of fraud customers face across the various banks in Ireland. PR plays a huge role in the relief they provide to customers. Savers should be moving vast sums of money into savings accounts, but they aren’t. We Irish love inertia more than a bargain!

Utilities are explored as we continue to see energy price cuts, but broadband providers face ongoing customer complaints. Daragh says we need more teeth in our regulation, and we may be too afraid of clamping down in case we lose providers.

Dublin forms the end of our discussion as Daragh lays out the changes our capital city should see. A whole episode could be had on that one. Many thanks to Daragh for his time on the show.

Follow us on social media:

www.instagram.com/nextroundpod

www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod

www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott

http://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott

David W. Higgins

https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw

WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

YouTube

www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716

Amazon

https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1h 1min
July 25, 2024 16| UK Shoplifting and Crime Surge, Home Size and Fertility Rates, Councils Dominate Housing Market
Shoplifting in England and Wales has soared to a 20-year peak, with a staggering 60% increase in just two years. This alarming trend, coupled with a surge in street thefts, underscores a growing crisis highlighted by ONS data. We delve into the underlying causes and far-reaching impacts. We also explore how home size correlates with fertility rates worldwide. In the housing market, Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies are outbidding first-time buyers and dominating over "vulture funds," raising questions about the future of the social contract.

Follow us on social media:
www.instagram.com/nextroundpod
www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod
www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott
www.twitter.com/@dalemcdermott
www.instagram.com/dale.mcdermott

David W. Higgins
https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw

WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
YouTube
www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716
Amazon
https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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40min
July 17, 2024 15| The Gay Economy and How Marriage Benefits All. Ireland’s 7 million Population in 2057
Boston Consulting Group has released new research showing how marriage equality has bolstered wealth and wellbeing. We discuss the findings, including a higher net worth and spending for married same-sex couples. The “durable relationships” debate gets a mention. We also look at the latest CSO population projections (2023-2057). It shows a range of projections for a population as high as 7 million people by 2057. The heavy reliance on net migration, with acceptance of low fertility, is debated.

Follow us on social media:

www.instagram.com/nextroundpod

www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod

www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott

www.twitter.com/@dalemcdermott

www.instagram.com/dale.mcdermott

David W. Higgins

https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw

WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

YouTube

www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716

Amazon

https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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42min
July 10, 2024 14| New UK government – challenges for growth. French election quagmire. Ireland’s Inheritance Tax Debate.
After years of political uncertainty, the UK has decisively voted in a new Labour government with a supermajority. We delve into the election results and scrutinise the First Past the Post voting system—has it outlived its usefulness? The new administration hit the ground running, but decades of historically low investment present significant economic challenges for the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Meanwhile, France's recent elections yielded no clear winner, marked by a resounding defeat for Macron and a surge in Far-Right support. We examine the current political landscape in France. Additionally, Ireland's Summer Economic Statement outlines the budget parameters for an €8.3 billion package, we look at potential changes to inheritance tax.

Follow us on social media:
www.instagram.com/nextroundpod
www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod
www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod
www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott
www.twitter.com/@dalemcdermott
www.instagram.com/dale.mcdermott

David W. Higgins
www.twitter.com/@higginsdavidw
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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43min
July 04, 2024 13| US economic data – what matters for the November election. New ESRI report on Ireland’s housing needs.
When the US economy sneezes, the world catches a cold. For a change, we focus this episode on the US economy and the various data points that reveal its strength. The post-COVID years have seen a solid US recovery, and if it continues, it will give a strong incumbency advantage to the US Democrats into the November election. However, all recoveries eventually wane, and the US will be no different. The ESRI has released a new report on Ireland’s housing supply needs. It produces much lower numbers than the Housing Commission. We discuss the key issue of pent-up demand, differentiating the two reports.

Follow us on social media:
www.instagram.com/nextroundpod
www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod
/ @nextroundpod
www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott
www.twitter.com/@dalemcdermott
www.instagram.com/dale.mcdermott

David W. Higgins
www.twitter.com/@higginsdavidw
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45min
June 24, 2024 12| House prices strike back, Irish election date, and a UK Labour supermajority is all but assured
Daft.ie released their Quarterly House Prices report for Q2 of 2024, showing housing prices nationally rising again! With housing inflation on the radar, we look at house prices in the context of loans and prices – how do ratios compare with the world? Ireland is on an election footing, and we speculate (or place a bet like in the UK!) when we are going to the polls – pre- or post-budget? It’s less than ten days until polling in the UK; we look at how certain a Labour supermajority is and whether Reform UK will make an impact. And Taylor Swift is in town, and she may delay your expected interest rate cut!

Follow us on social media:
www.instagram.com/nextroundpod
www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod
www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod
www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod

Dale McDermott
www.twitter.com/@dalemcdermott
www.instagram.com/dale.mcdermott

David W. Higgins
www.twitter.com/@higginsdavidw
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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40min
June 14, 2024 11| Election 2024 Review Special – Winners and Losers
Hugh O’Connell is Political Editor for The Sunday Times in Ireland. Having spent more than a decade reporting and writing on politics in Ireland, we discuss with Hugh the fallout from the 2024 local and European elections. With a mixed bag of results, did the government win? Did the opposition lose? Or a bit of both? What made things go completely wrong for Sinn Fein, is Mary Lou a busted flush? With an increase in online “TikTok” campaigning and celebrity candidates, will politics change for better or worse? The far-right made gains, should we be worried? And are we only weeks away from a general election?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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41min

FAQs about Next Round:

How many episodes does Next Round have?

The podcast currently has 40 episodes available.