GDP growth could set  scene for 2018 election

CSO figures showing a rapid pace in economic growth will likely extend through next year and could set the scene for a general election, a leading analyst has said.

Merrion chief economist Alan McQuaid said the so-called feelgood factor was missing for voters at the last election but that strong growth since would boost the economy through 2018.

The CSO said that, under conventional GDP measures, growth surged by 4.2% in the summer quarter from the spring quarter, and soared by 10.5% from a year earlier.