Targeting ‘rich’ is to shoot ourselves in the foot

The creation of wealth is an important topic that needs airing in a society where it seems the mere mention of money is cause for much begrudgery.

At its broadest level, greater wealth helps stimulate job opportunities and boost exchequer funding. At a personal level, it is key to providing for families and the resources to finance life after retirement.

You’d be excused in Ireland for keeping the head down on these issues because a gang mindset has developed around the subject of money. Years of tough budgets and high-profile cases of profligacy and corruption have encouraged a view that those with wealth are an unwelcome caste.