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You make it sound like the Irish economy was managed brilliantly. It was just less appallingly incompetent than that in the North - which wasn't managed for growth for more of the period but for maintenance of a minority power group.

The other problem for the North is that it's not even a provincial shithole, like the South. I don't think Belfast is integrated into the global city network (which is the world's actual economy, outside of artificial national boundaries) in the way Dublin is. Basically the North's natural place is as part of Dublin's hinterland but it can't accept or move into that role.

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Thu May 26th, 2016 at 07:25:21 AM EST
It won't have to.  Give President Trump a year or two.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.
by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Thu May 26th, 2016 at 12:04:21 PM EST
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we were not supposed to joke about.

We can send you François Hollande or Manuel Valls, if you like, we have no use for them here.

by John Redmond on Thu May 26th, 2016 at 12:23:54 PM EST
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Does it still count if we're only half-joking?

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.
by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Thu May 26th, 2016 at 12:40:25 PM EST
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Der Drumpfenfuehrer is neither half-ass nor half-joke.  He is all both.
by rifek on Thu May 26th, 2016 at 11:37:47 PM EST
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But then, I am far far away, and watch with fascination. Not even registered anymore to vote...over there anyhow.
by John Redmond on Fri May 27th, 2016 at 09:44:07 AM EST
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Gallows humor.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
by ARGeezer (ARGeezer a in a circle eurotrib daught com) on Fri May 27th, 2016 at 11:17:39 AM EST
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The best gallows humor.  Just tremendous -- that I can tell you.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.
by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Sun May 29th, 2016 at 07:59:51 AM EST
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The quality of economic management is relative, and is more than just a matter of direct Government action. The IDA's performance has been world class, and liberal economic theory has never given adequate credit to the role of Ireland's industrial relations infrastructure. The EU has also been enormously helpful, as much by enforcing good social and employment practices and access to wider markets as by direct subventions. We should also not forget the fact that 50 years of extensive US multinational presence in Ireland has helped create two generations of management cadres many of whom have gone on to establish their own not insubstantial businesses.

Index of Frank's Diaries
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Thu May 26th, 2016 at 03:12:04 PM EST
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