Ireland vs. The EU
In the weakened economy of the world, Ireland has been struck particularly hard – falling farther than maybe any country in Europe. There are some in the EU who feel that Ireland may be more trouble than they are worth.
It was in June of 2008 that Ireland voted “No” on the Lisbon treaty referendum on the EU constitution. That was a powerful statement by the small island nation on the western outskirts of Europe. But Ireland’s economy was thriving and one of the top in all Europe.
But that all changed- and fast. The Irish economy collapsed and pulled the Euro down with it. Granted, the falling rate of the Euro is not at all only caused by the Irish, but they are certainly helping it a lot. The EU called for another referrendum on the Lisbon treaty in the fall of 2009. There was even some whisperings that if Ireland voted no, the EU should move on without them.
But can the same organization that is considering expanding Europe’s borders to include Turkey really kick out one of its experienced European members?
I don’t believe so. This is the first major economic crisis for industrial Ireland, following the Celtic Tiger economy, and I think Ireland will either rise from the ashes stronger than ever, or sink to the bottom.
Ireland relied too much on the banks and the good housing market. To build back up, they need to expand industry aand exports. Brian Cowen has already met with U.S. President Obama to work on gaining more foreign investment, which would really help Ireland.
But nobody really knows what the future has in store for anyone.
Liked it
