Michael Taft

The only thing keeping a weakened US economy afloat is AI capital spending (mostly data centres). What happens if the AI bubble bursts? To the US economy? And the Irish economy?

Progressives should oppose regressive cuts in VAT and Excise as part of a household energy support package. A combination of a new electricity credit and social protection measures would be far more progressive. We need evidence-based policy making. tinyurl.com/y3exyxt3

Progressives should oppose regressive cuts in VAT and Excise as part of a household energy support package. A combination of a new electricity credit and social protection measures would be far more progressive. We need evidence-based policy making: tinyurl.com/y3exyxt3

We can’t control global prices. But we can introduce energy price accountability with new powers to allow the Regulator to end price-gouging and opportunistic pricing. A little bit of democracy could help a whole lot: tinyurl.com/5e9ytbub

We can’t control global prices. But we can introduce energy price accountability with new powers to allow the Regulator to end price-gouging and opportunistic pricing. A little bit of democracy could help a whole lot. tinyurl.com/5e9ytbub

So let me get this straight. Government policy is that rents must rise in order for rents to fall. And if rents don't fall? Another round of rent rises? What a hamster wheel. Minister for Housing expects rents to fall after recent reform of rules irishtimes.com/politics/2026/…

25% of working 25 year olds in the top 20% of the earnings distribution have difficultly making ends meet

If employment is a good indicator of economic health, we might be getting a bit under the weather. The private sector generated no new net jobs in the last year and overall job growth is falling towards zero. We need to debate how to maintain job growth: tinyurl.com/6dap783e

If employment is a good indicator of economic health, we might be getting a bit under the weather. The private sector generated no new net jobs in the last year and overall job growth is falling towards zero. We need to debate how to maintain job growth. notesonthefront.org/2026/02/03/bac…

Solidarity with the people of Minnesota and the fantastic turnout in opposition to ICE. #ICEOUT

Progressive parties and civil society groups should jointly campaign to force the Government to abandon any visit to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day. This would clearly highlight Ireland’s support for the international rule of law. tinyurl.com/2fy9hfvz

Progressive parties and civil society groups should jointly campaign to force the Government to abandon any visit to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day. This would clearly highlight Ireland’s support for the international rule of law: tinyurl.com/2fy9hfvz

'Fawning, sycophantic, obsequious, self-emasculation': its long past time for Europe - and Ireland - to stand up to the US. Europe needs to toughen up and stop curtsying to Trump irishtimes.com/business/econo…

Amazing. Not only did the Irish Government fail to condemn the US attack on Venezuela, it didn’t even mention the US in a statement released by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. tinyurl.com/ytjw82vy

Well, well, well . . . Who would have thunk it. Department officials said budget VAT cut for hospitality would create ‘deadweight’ in sector irishtimes.com/business/2025/…

@paulageraghty It depends on the sector and the design; whether they are permanent or temporary. But yes - price controls / regulation / caps should be a central part of the policy toolkit.

Electricity credits? VAT cuts? Means-tested payments? The best way to reduce electricity costs for low/average income groups way is to provide every household with a minimum amount of free electricity. Don’t tinker with price markets. Reshape them: tinyurl.com/4v4x5zbv

Electricity credits? VAT cuts? Means-tested payments? The best way to reduce electricity costs for low/average income groups way is to provide every household with a minimum amount of free electricity. Don’t tinker with price markets. Reshape them. tinyurl.com/4v4x5zbv

@itsallpolitico Because they are private, unlimited companies.

@notesonthefront Is that because they are private with no shareholders?

All companies should be required to publish profit/loss accounts. Especially companies in receipt of state funds. Majority of companies paid by State to accommodate international protection applicants do not report on profits irishtimes.com/ireland/social…