As somebody who grew up in a remote area in rural Waterford, I have watched with despondency as the Irish countryside has become increasingly denuded of economic activity, social vibrancy and young people.

This is a big, big week for the global economy and international geopolitics.

Fewer than two weeks into the new year the domestic news agenda continues to be dominated by various crises: The hospital system, the problem of homelessness and the latest political crisis in the North.

Over the holiday period, I met a retired businessman who asked me, in a very concerned way, about the possibilities for the Irish economy over the coming year.

‘May you live in interesting times’ is an old Chinese curse that has resonated strongly around the world over the past year. 

Last week, I wrote about how strange and interesting 2016 was from a global political perspective. However, it was also a strange and interesting year from a domestic political and economic perspective.

As we approach the end of 2016, it is clear that our weak and fractured Government faces immense challenges in 2017 and one would have to question its chances of survival. More pertinently, if it does actually survive, one would have to question if it actually has the strength and coherence to govern the country in a sensible and prudent manner. I fear not.

A survey of CEOs, conducted earlier this week by Deloitte, showed that 93% of all bosses intend to expand their businesses next year.

2016 will go down in history as a year of immense significance. Whether this is for better or worse remains to be seen, but with a combination of Brexit and the election of an hotelier to the White House, the future promises to be very, very interesting.

Global political developments continue to scare. Greek politics over the past couple of years; two Spanish elections; Ireland’s election in February; and the Brexit vote in June are all symptomatic of the global rejection of conventional politics.