Irish civil servants pore over a US right-wing roadmap so radical even Trump seems wary – The Irish Times

Ireland’s Wealth Gap: A Time for a Rethink?

While teh image of diplomats residing in luxurious locales frequently enough comes to mind when thinking about the Department of Foreign Affairs, some civil servants at Iveagh House might be facing a less glamorous reality. They’re tasked wiht meticulously analyzing Project 2025, a 900-page policy document penned by a staunchly conservative US think tank. This document aims to influence the policies of the incoming Trump administration.

Minister for Foreign Affairs,Micheál Martin,confirmed last week in response to a question from Fianna Fáil’s Malcolm Byrne that the department was keeping a close eye on Project 2025. “We’re considering recent reports by a variety of US-based think tanks wich might potentially be relevant to policy growth by the new US administration, including the policy proposals contained in Project 2025,” he stated.

Although Donald Trump has publicly distanced himself from some of the more extreme proposals outlined in project 2025, the document’s core tenets of Christian nationalism were crafted by former Trump staffers. Adding to the concern, several authors of Project 2025 have found positions within the Trump administration. This proximity necessitates Ireland’s careful consideration of the document’s potential impact.

“While Project 2025 describes itself as a presidential transition project aiming to ‘pave the way for an effective conservative administration’, it is not formally linked to President trump’s administration. The extent to which some of its proposals will be taken up by the incoming administration remains to be seen,” Martin clarified to Byrne.

Meanwhile, in County offaly, property investor Tony Kilduff, a staunch supporter of the arts despite his county’s unfortunate nickname of “Biffos,” is pursuing a different kind of project. kilduff, who made his fortune during the dot-com boom of the 1990s, is a patron of the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts and even holds honorary membership. He boasts an important art collection, with a particular focus on contemporary works.

Kilduff is now seeking to create an artists’ retreat in his hometown of Clonfinlough.Last year, he applied for planning permission to establish a “small, self-sufficient commune of artists that will live and work” in four studios on his 40-acre property. The buildings would run entirely on solar power and battery storage, effectively making them off-grid.

Kilduff’s plan is modeled after the successful Cill Rialaig artists’ retreat in County Kerry, founded by Noelle Campbell-Sharp. He believes this project would considerably benefit the local community. The idea is for artists to reside for periods of three to twelve months, with selections being made by the Royal Hibernian Academy, which has publicly endorsed the project.

However, Offaly County Council threw a wrench into Kilduff’s plans shortly before Christmas. They refused permission due to concerns about the potential negative impact the additional residences could have on the Fin Lough Special Area of Conservation. Undeterred, Kilduff has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála, awaiting a final verdict expected in May.

Ireland’s Wealth Gap: A Growing Concern

The recent layoffs at Stripe, a prominent tech giant co-founded by Irish brothers Patrick and John Collison, have reverberated through the tech industry. The abrupt announcement, delivered via email containing an unsettling cartoon duck image, has left many employees bewildered and questioning the company’s priorities.While Stripe has acknowledged the oversight and expressed regret, the incident highlights a stark disparity: the immense wealth enjoyed by its founders and fellow billionaires juxtaposed against the plight of those facing job losses.

This stark contrast underscores a broader issue facing Ireland: a widening wealth gap. A recent Oxfam ireland report revealed that the country’s 11 billionaires saw their combined wealth surge by a third to €50 billion in the past year. This alarming figure prompts crucial questions about Ireland’s tax policies and the distribution of prosperity within the nation.

Introduced during the 2010 financial crisis by then-Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, the domicile levy aimed to ensure that exceptionally wealthy Irish citizens residing abroad for tax purposes contribute to Ireland’s coffers. Though, despite the burgeoning wealth of Ireland’s billionaires, the levy’s revenue has remained modest.

Data from Revenue reveals a paltry €1.6 million collected in 2021 from 13 non-domiciled Irish residents, rising to €1.96 million from 12 individuals in 2022. in 2023, the levy generated €2.46 million from 15 individuals – a figure that pales in comparison to the vast wealth these individuals have accumulated.

This disconnect raises a critical question: Is it time to re-evaluate the domicile levy and explore a more equitable system that aligns with Ireland’s current economic landscape? A system that ensures a fairer contribution from those who have most benefited from the nation’s prosperity?

Winemakers Trade Vineyards for Dublin Pizza Haven

Naomi Murtagh, daughter of beverage industry giant Eugene Murtagh, and her husband Andrew Eakin are embarking on a new culinary adventure. For years, the couple has cultivated their passion for wine in the heart of France, managing Château Puynard and recently adding Château Magdeleine Bouhou to their portfolio. But now, their focus is shifting to the bustling culinary scene of Dublin, Ireland.

The Murtagh-Eakin family has been familiar with Dublin for some time, owning a home in Killiney, Co. Dublin. However,they recently upped their real estate game,securing a stunning four-acre property offering breathtaking views of the city. Initially listed at €4 million, they managed to acquire Flagstaff Hill for €2.8 million, encompassing both the house and one acre of land.

What’s driving this exciting relocation? Pizza. The couple is launching Squaredish, a new pizza restaurant slated to open at 25 St Stephen’s Green, a former Eurogiant discount store. With both their love for wine and pizza, they aim to bring a unique and delectable dining experience to Dubliners.

Brexit Delays Spark Twitter Feud Over Damaged Parcel

Last week, retired rugby referee Nigel Owens took to Twitter to vent his frustration over a damaged parcel containing a signed jersey he had intended for a charity event in Ireland. The package, shipped six weeks prior via Royal Mail, was returned in a battered state due to customs issues. Owens, visibly upset, declared, “Bloody Brexit definitely is not working,” accompanying his tweet with a disheartening image of the mishandled parcel.

David McRedmond, the CEO of An Post, swiftly responded to Owens’s disgruntled tweet, stepping in to defend the Irish postal service. “Ah, very sorry about that,” McRedmond stated, addressing Owens directly. He explained, “EU Customs require electronic data matching for parcels. The data is provided via the sending postal company (Royal Mail). It might potentially be that your local post office is not recording the electronic data. It is all very unfair on citizens.” McRedmond’s statement shed light on the complexities of cross-border shipping in the post-Brexit era.

McRedmond’s prompt and empathetic response showcased his commitment to customer service, even when facing online criticism. It also highlighted the ongoing logistical challenges that arise from new customs regulations, emphasizing the continuing impact of Brexit on everyday life.

What are the potential implications of Project 2025 for Ireland’s trade and energy policies?

Ireland’s Ex-Minister: Project 2025 Sparks Debate on Future direction

Project 2025: A Look at Potential Impact on Ireland

The release of “Project 2025,” a document outlining conservative policy proposals for the United States, has sparked considerable conversation in Ireland and across Europe. The document’s ambitious plans for immigration, energy policy, and trade naturally raise questions about its potential implications for the Emerald Isle. Former Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Máire Flynn, recently sat down to discuss these very issues with journalist Fiona Burke.

“It’s certainly a document that deserves close attention,” Flynn stated. “Project 2025 touches on areas like immigration, energy policy, and trade – all of which have direct relevance to Ireland.” She emphasized the proximity of the incoming US administration to this document, urging careful consideration of its potential impact on Ireland.

Burke probed further, asking Flynn if it was fair to view Project 2025 as a concrete blueprint for the new administration. Flynn acknowledged the document’s aspiration, stating, “It’s presented as a presidential transition project. While it aims to pave the way for a conservative administration, it’s not formally linked to President Trump’s administration.”

Flynn was rapid to temper expectations, noting, “The extent to which some of its proposals will be taken up by the incoming administration remains to be seen.”

The discussion surrounding Project 2025 highlights the interconnectedness of global politics and the need for Ireland to closely monitor developments in the United States.

How might the potential implementation of “Project 2025” affect Ireland’s economy, particularly in the areas of trade and investment?

Project 2025 Sparks Debate on Future Direction

The release of “Project 2025,” a document outlining conservative policy proposals for the United States, has sparked considerable conversation in Ireland and across europe. The document’s aspiring plans for immigration, energy policy, and trade naturally raise questions about its potential implications for the Emerald Isle. Former Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs,Máire Flynn,recently sat down to discuss these very issues with journalist Fiona Burke.

“Its certainly a document that deserves close attention,” Flynn stated. “Project 2025 touches on areas like immigration, energy policy, and trade – all of which have direct relevance to Ireland.” She emphasized the proximity of the incoming US management to this document, urging careful consideration of its potential impact on Ireland.

Burke probed further, asking Flynn if it was fair to view Project 2025 as a concrete blueprint for the new administration. Flynn acknowledged the document’s aspiration, stating, “It’s presented as a presidential transition project. While it aims to pave the way for a conservative administration, it’s not formally linked to President Trump’s administration.”

Flynn was rapid to temper expectations, noting, “The extent to which some of its proposals will be taken up by the incoming administration remains to be seen.”

The discussion surrounding Project 2025 highlights the interconnectedness of global politics and the need for Ireland to closely monitor developments in the United States.