Prosperous Ireland - Idea of austerity is challenged

Ireland has been named in tenth place out of 144 countries in the Legatum Prosperity Index, an annual report on global prosperity, based on both material wealth and personal well-being.

The index recorded that 70% of Irish people were satisfied with their lot and only a third of European countries had improved on last year’s ratings. It also recorded, despite the near collapse of our economic system, that over the last six years the world has become more, not less, prosperous.

These findings run counter to the “austerity” narrative that informs so much of our public discourse, a discourse often fuelled by out-of-power politicians and media voices more intent on provocation than understanding or solutions.