The David McWilliams Podcast

The Prosperity Paradox: Ireland’s Boom, Europe’s Bust, and the Price of Success

27 snips
Dec 17, 2024
Ireland's booming economy hides a troubling gap between living standards and quality of life. Families are delaying childbirth longer than anywhere else in Europe, raising questions about societal priorities. The podcast dives into Ireland's unique economic position compared to a stagnating Europe, exploring how American innovations impact its growth. From urban vacancy issues to demographic shifts, it discusses the ramifications of prosperity and the challenges ahead if leadership fails to address deeper societal needs.
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ANECDOTE

Dublin's Luminescence

  • John realized Dublin seems brighter due to building lights.
  • He wondered if city luminescence correlates with economic performance.
INSIGHT

Luminescence and Vacancy

  • City luminescence correlates with economic vibrancy, shown by the contrast between North and South Korea.
  • Belgium uses electricity bills to identify vacant properties and address vacancy issues.
ANECDOTE

Declining Birth Rates

  • European birth rates have dropped drastically from 7.8 million in 1966 to 3 million today.
  • Ireland now has the highest proportion of mothers over 40 in Europe.
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