Aidan Regan at the EUI has a fascinating account of Mario Monti’s thoughts on a range of European issues here. Monti is particularly keen on increasing the capacity for effective decision-making at European level, and indeed the slow-motion political response to the crisis in the Eurozone has revealed how badly this is needed. Monti wantsContinue reading “The full Monti”
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Ireland and the big game changer
Here is an essay I have done on Ireland for the Heinrich Boell Stiftung in Brussels as part of a commissioned series on the euro crisis. I emphasise how closely Ireland’s decisions on European integration are entangled in its relations ns with the UK, a consideration coming once more into clear focus. Paul Gillespie http://www.boell.eu/downloads/Gillespie_Ireland_and_the_Big_Game_Changer(2).pdfContinue reading “Ireland and the big game changer”
Fear, Anger and Resignation: It’s Nearly Referendum Day
Before the conventional wisdom sets in stone, a few thoughts on the referendum campaign. First, win or lose, this looks to have been a good campaign for the left of the ‘no’ side. The profile of key Sinn Fein and ULA spokespeople will have been raised significantly as will their political credibility in key sectorsContinue reading “Fear, Anger and Resignation: It’s Nearly Referendum Day”
Citizens Left out of Plan for EU Reform
While I am second to none in my admiration of Vincent Browne for his willingness to engage with the legal issues raised by the Fiscal Treaty, I would have difficulties with some of the assertions made by him in his article in the Irish Times today. 1) I am unable to see how the PringleContinue reading “Citizens Left out of Plan for EU Reform”
Is the response to the crisis simply stupid?
Much current discussion of the euro crisis focuses on the seeming irrationality or incompetence of decision makers. For example, Guardian economics editor Larry Elliot says that “there is a failure or an unwillingness to grasp a basic truth about the single currency: it doesn’t work”. While this may be true to a certain extent, oneContinue reading “Is the response to the crisis simply stupid?”
debate on fiscal treaty, Wednesday 23rd, 1pm
Institute for International Integration, Trinity College
IIS PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM this evening: Title: “Whither Ireland and the Fiscal Treaty?” Dr. Gavin Barrett, School of Law, UCD & Prof. Terrence McDonough, J.E.Cairnes School of Business & Economics, NUIG & Trinity’s Head of School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Prof. James Wickham Venue: Thomas Davis Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin Access to theContinue reading “Institute for International Integration, Trinity College”
The Greek ‘Bailout’
As Greek politicians in the midst of post-election turmoil are told that they must implement the ‘bailout’ programme agreed with the EU and IMF it may be timely to reflect on that programme. Added topicality arises from the fact that Charles Dallara is speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in DublinContinue reading “The Greek ‘Bailout’”
I Give Up: A Very Reluctant and Bitter ‘Yes’
To my mind, there is only one reason to vote for the “Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union” and that is cold, hard cash. What the treaty does is of dubious economic value while how it does it appears to be redundant. At best, one might make an argumentContinue reading “I Give Up: A Very Reluctant and Bitter ‘Yes’”
Some Questions About the Fiscal Treaty
The IIEA asked me a few questions about the Fiscal Treaty and videoed my anwers. Readers might find the answers of some value: They can be found here The IIEA’s general page on the Fiscal Treaty has some other useful material in it. You’ll find that here.
The Brussels Insider 