Jim Clarken: World's super rich are shaping society

Wealth tax would help with social solidarity, guard against extremism, and shore up public finances

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Patrick Collison, co-founder and CEO of Stripe at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2026 in the RDS. Brothers Patrick and John Collison are two of Ireland's 11 billionaires.  Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

As the world’s elite gather to discuss the future of the global economy, a shadow hangs over our shared democratic values. 

This week, Oxfam launched its report on global wealth statistics and trends; Resisting the Rule of the Rich which shows that extreme wealth is no longer a private fortune, but a tool used to shape our economies and societies to the ends of the super-rich.