According to projections put forth by the CSO this week, the population could potentially reach seven million before 2057, pushing close to nine million when coupled with the Northern population. Forecasts hint at the entire Dublin population being added to the workforce within fourteen years. In light of such growth, what is the proposed plan? David McWilliams, in contemplating this question, posits that the best route for Ireland to capably harness and benefit from this influx of emerging talent is via the establishment of a robust sector of small businesses. Ideally, it would comprise innovative, vigorous, local firms operating along with the multinational arena. However, McWilliams concedes that implementing such might be more challenging than it appears.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s anti-immigrant campaign resurfaced violently this week outside a Dublin property set aside for international protection applicants. As Conor Gallagher details this weekend, the rise of the global network of inflammatory “active clubs” has recently found its way to Ireland. These groups, initiated by Robert Rundo (a violent American neo-Nazi), align extreme right-wing ideologies with a concentration on masculinity and physical conditioning, especially mixed martial arts.
Ciaran O’Connor addresses the situation in Coolock in view of online disinformation. Multiple years of societal neglect and ineffective governmental policies culminated in this week’s incidents, he observes. Concurrently, he notes that an objective analysis must recognize the influence of online disinformation. With reasons understandable for opposing an asylum seeker accommodation centre in Coolock, it’s worth noting that not all protesters are incited by misinformation and propaganda. Nevertheless, it’s evident that some have been swayed by an information climate that frequently paints migrants as inherent threats.
Today, a unique match between Clare and Cork is set to take place at Croke Park for this year’s All-Ireland hurling final. For the first time in numerous years, 2024’s crucial game doesn’t include either Limerick or Kilkenny, following two heated semi-finals. In the run-up, our reporter, Denis Walsh, has spoken with former Cork manager, Jimmy Barry-Murphy. Eleven years ago, Barry-Murphy led Cork in the All-Ireland final against Clare – a match they lost in a replay, an experience which still haunts him. “I deeply regret the 2013 match. It’s always on my mind. It would have been an extraordinary win for Cork considering our origin,” he recalls. Concurrently, Seán Moran has penned a piece about Tony Kelly, Clare’s iconic veteran player. Kelly was part of the winning team the last time Clare won an All-Ireland and, should he perform well today, another winner’s medal might be his.
Reflecting on failures often brings every decision leading up to that moment into stark clarity. You might question if you could have chosen differently, better, or ponder your next move. However, even though failure can be devastating, it also provides an opportunity for personal growth and learning. Well-known Irish personalities like Tara Flynn, Colum McCann, and Derval O’Rourke contribute their thoughts on failure and how to benefit from it in our magazine feature.
We delve into culture this week, examining fresh literary masterpieces by Tom Lamont, Coco Mellors, and Rose Ruane. We also have an engaging interaction with Michael Longley, the poet, who finds intelligence in women captivating, stating he hangs onto every word they utter. Longley further treats us to a riveting piece of his own, Mariners. In parallel, Donald Clarke chats with The Crown’s Emma Corin, simultaneously making waves in Deadpool & Wolverine. She shares her thrill of seeking challenges and stepping into uncharted territories.
Hugh Linehan takes a critical look at ‘citizen journalism’, expressing his distaste for how a concept that started as a democratic form of reporting during the Arab Spring has devolved into a platform monopolised by biased right-wing instigators. Thus, he strongly suggests that ‘citizen journalism’ is a breeding ground for some of society’s most troublesome influencers.
Moving onto Lifestyle discussions, Roe McDermott fields a query from a married pair in their later years keen to explore erotica to boost their arousal.
And finally, in our regular financial update, Dominic Coyle warns Irish holidaymakers about the potential negative impact of the mounting opposition against Airbnb.