External risks to Irish economic growth are increasing, economist warns

Upcoming national elections across Europe could ratchet up the external pressure on the Irish economy - already under threat from Brexit, potential global trade wars, and US corporate tax policy changes - an economist has warned.

Economist Alan McQuaid said pending votes in Poland, Portugal and Greece - on top of ongoing political uncertainty in Italy - are potential threats to the EU, and, in turn, could have implications for sustained Irish growth.