Numbers game

It’s been bothering me for a while, but until tonight I never bothered to do any research on it. Here’s Brian Lenihan’s version of it, as paraphrased by The Journal earlier today: “The Finance Minister said Ireland’s taxation system was no longer “fit for purpose”, saying that the upper 8% of taxpayers accounted for 60%… Continue reading Numbers game

News Cycling

At midday, the government will publish the report of the Commission on Taxation Reform. I’m busy working today, so I won’t have a chance to follow the reaction, but I can make some predictions. RTÉ have announced that their flagship News at One programme will become News at Noon to cover the launch of the… Continue reading News Cycling

For Richer For Poorer

A religious think-tank has criticised the Ombudsman for pointing out that Irish tax laws discriminate against unmarried couples. The Iona Institute describes itself as ‘a pro-religion and pro-marriage organisation’. Institute director Davis Quinn said it would be a ‘serious mistake’ to treat married and unmarried couples in the same way. He went on to add… Continue reading For Richer For Poorer

Identity Politics

One in eight who voted No to the Lisbon treaty say they did so to protect Irish identity. What does that mean? Is it simply a polite way of saying no to immigration, the reason given by one percent of those asked? Perhaps. But I think there’s another meaning. After asking voters why they voted,… Continue reading Identity Politics