Brexit will hurt bad but let’s not overstate the costs

The report from the consultancy group Copenhagen Economics on Brexit commissioned by the Government was the latest in a series: The Institute of International and European Affairs, the Economic and Social Research Institute, the European Commission, and in other reports, Government agencies themselves--have shown the effects that Brexit will have on Ireland.

The details differ in each case but the message remains the same. Even the softest of Brexit deals will have a negative effect on Ireland. In no way can it be seen as a friendly act.

A sense of perspective is needed, however. There’s been some hysterical commentary about Brexit and its impact on Ireland. Some commentators have suggested it could be even worse than the economic crisis that started 10 years ago. The effects are being presented as Ireland losing billions and being worse off. This is almost certainly bunkum.