The Central Bank, the Parliamentary Budget Office, and the world’s largest ratings firms have all urged the next government to avoid pumping up spending that could lead to a new crash.

The Central Bank has urged the next government to keep a firm grip on public spending and reduce public sector debt.

US tax cuts and trade wars, as well as Brexit and high rents at home, have put Ireland’s business competitiveness under threat, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) said.