Ireland & the EU: Blessing or Burden? Episode 585

On today’s episode, Niall sits down with Cormac Lucey, Economics Columnist with The Sunday Times (Ireland), for a frank and provocative conversation about the future of the European Union — and what it means for Ireland.

Recent comments from Elon Musk and Donald Trump have reignited debate about whether the EU is heading for economic decline and social fragmentation. Are these warnings grounded in reality, or are they exaggerated doom-scrolling? And more importantly: how vulnerable is Ireland if the EU weakens — or how much do we stand to gain if it strengthens?

Niall and Cormac explore:

💶 The economic pros and cons of EU membership for Ireland — from trade access and corporate tax challenges to regulation, migration, and energy.

🏛️ How Ireland’s social policies reflect wider European trends, including the government’s new campaign encouraging adult children to move back in with their parents.

🏠 Inspired by a recent listener message and Niall’s own tweet, the discussion also looks at what multigenerational living says about the cost of living, housing shortages, and whether the Irish social contract is starting to fray.

🇪🇺 Could the EU really “collapse” economically or socially? What would that look like? And is anyone — including Ireland — prepared for that possibility?

Listeners join the conversation with messages on WhatsApp as Niall asks:
If your 30- or 40-year-old child wanted to move home, would you see it as an inconvenience — or would you welcome it?
Is resistance to this shift selfish, or simply honest?

A wide-ranging chat on economics, society, politics, and the future of Ireland in a changing Europe.