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Author Archives: Ciarán

Next 10 weeks are a high-stakes game of political poker with a pot of €8bn on table

by Ciarán

The next 10 weeks could decide how the country is governed for the next 10 years. That is the type of calculation that will be focusing minds in the main political parties as we get ready for the resumption of the Dáil on September 20. Why is the challenge so immediate and the prize so

‘Striking the balance on public sector pay is never easy….’

by Ciarán

The publication this week of the Public Sector Pay Commission has triggered another round of comment, claim and counter claim on the best way forward.  This article by MKC’s Director of Strategy and Public Policy that first appeared in the Irish Independent before Christmas teases out the balance to be struck between public and private

Three questions arising from a Trump win…

by Ciarán

For those who stayed up – like me – or those who woke up to the result, the outcome of the US Presidential election poses any number of questions about politics, democracy, media and, crucially, the medium term prospects for the US and global economy. But bringing things a little more local to our experience

Despite its Trump tactics, SF is likely to be the big loser after Budget 2017

by Ciarán

I found myself thinking about the Lego Movie as the entrails of the Budget were being pored over this week. It’s ok, as father to 8 and 10 year old boys I’m now allowed to watch these movies openly. But more particularly it was the insanely catchy song from the movie – ‘Everything is Awesome’.

Want better Government? Start with the incentives shaping voters

by Ciarán

Incentives matter, in politics, business or even in our personal lives. They shape our thinking, consciously or unconsciously, and drive our decision making. And in politics and business the patterns of behaviour are more alike than many might realise. Price and profit incentivise consumers and entrepreneurs respectively, candidates plus their policies and being in government