@sl:
Thanks.

Nice one. Thank you!

Thanks, you should get a job on the Journal.
Some of these results are mad!
America worse now is no surprise.
South Africa better during apartheid and Iran better under the Ayathollah is surprising.

Thanks didn’t see you post when I posted

@ frank. I agree, some surprising entries. Saudi Arabia up to 38th?!

It looks like this is only for the locals, foreign nationals are treated like dog poo!

I think Spain would be the best and they live longer too good food and hot sun nice women

Or corrupt politiciana

Believe it or not, our temporate climate is seem as a strong positive!

Ah come on, it’s a bit wet and dreary, but you don’t get the extremes of heat or cold, there is rarely dangerous storms, not much danger of bush fire. Really not that bad at all.
And when you get a sunny blue sky day, whatever season, Ireland is gloriously beautiful

‘@ Eddie Danger .
Spain has 25 % unemployment – and 55 % youth unemployment !!

I lived in London for a few years but nowhere else in the UK so I’m not sure I ever had the full picture of life in the UK. Not entirely surprised it’s not high on the rankings but I am surprised it’s down 20 places! Living in Switzerland now and can vouch for the No. 1 ranking. Beautiful, clean, everything works properly, lovely people… On the other hand, it is feckin expensive. Miss home though…

Me too! It was only when i was living in California that i realised how good we have it here. California has nice weather and scenery but its cities are so boring (except san francisco).

Belief systems ? When people talk of moderates as being the extreme right it means that they themselves are the extreme left

A “raisin d’être” – LOL, really Vincent I’d say you hadn’t a raisin of sense.

I think a lot of economists were selectively ignored for a considerably part of the 21st century when many were advised to cop on

Having lived in both Germany and Ireland I have to disagree with you. Why do you think Germany would be a better place to live than Ireland? Irish people are friendlier and much more inclusive. We have a lot of local groups and societies that have good social lives attached to them. Ireland is smaller and much more easy to get around. We have a very laid back easy going quality of life. Of course there are areas that need improvement, particularly in terms of policy changes but you will find that in every country. I love Germany but in terms of a place to live or to grow up it doesn’t hold a candle to Ireland.

Additionally – McWilliams is primarily a pop economist. He practices the kind of economics that is accessible and appeals to the public and non-economists – he seldom has anything of actual relevance that could impact on policy to say. Not all economists also stayed silent during the celtic tiger – Morgan Kelly being the prime example.

@ CABK. I grew up in Ireland through the 70s and 80s and thought it was a great place to grow up in. Now its a different and shallow place in comparison. Especially the cities but rural Ireland is a scary place for old people. Yes the Irish are more open and our society is more laid back. My argument here is its too laid back evidenced by a disgraceful public transport system and a tolerance and inaction to violent and petty crime. We lack the ability to behave like responsible adults for the benefit of all society. I would also challenge the idea Ireland has lots of community activities. Unless you are into GAA what are the options? Agreed climate doesn’t help but how can German cities have plenty of outside swimming pools for 3.70€ entrance for the day and we have nothing in Ireland coming close, despite 10 years of unprecedented growth. Laid back is good if you are a tourist, for me, I found it frustrating and as a tax payer annoying. But horses for courses I guess.

http://www.davidmcwilliams.ie/about

Totally disagree with your comments about David McWilliams! Only economist that predicted the crash, brilliant Bertie’s response ” go away and commit suicide”

Peter Schif [US]also predicted the Crash – in 2006 – and was scoffed at by the US and Other Experts . He also predicted the QE [ -- money printing] and then inflation .
as for Ireland being better than Germany – ridiculous . Germans are freindly – and they do not have that false friendship that some Irish have . What they say they mean – . They mind their own business and are a very tolerant and welll educated people . They can also run an economy .

”We have a very laid back easy going quality of life. ”
CABK – u are not feeling any ill efffects of Recession then – and the Austerity – the hospital cutback , cuts in pay – with more to come – and more and more taxes .
and u did not mind as Shelia has pointed out Berties reply to criticism ” go away and commit suicide ” – do u think that sort of advice is laid back .
Not even Obama or Camaeron – nor any leader I can think of would say that .- but bertie did – and got away with it .

I agree with Jim. I left Ireland during 2008 when the Tiger was still running and was in the top 2 percentile income earners but had to get out as it bough the place was morally Nd civicly bankrupt with a shower of blatant crooks running the place. People dictate their own society. Ireland, for me, was banjaxed. I challenge anyone to price otherwise.

Julie – his website actually says he was one of the first. As he is also aware that he wasn’t at all ‘the only one’ ie youtube morgan kelly primetime. This was my point to Simon, McWilliams is more involved in pop economics, giving talks and writing books rather than papers to inform policy and advance knowledge. I am not saying anything against the guy but its a bit much to say ‘he’s the only exception and the only one’ as you and Simon seem to be of the opinion (also its not true…)

Simon I am involved in Tennis ,tag rugby, I played music in different groups for 15 years and built up great friends with that, other friends I have are involved in astro turf football (regardless of the weather they never miss it), camogie, surfing, hiking, attending quizzes, bowling, draughts and poker tournaments. That is also aside from nights out having a few drinks or attending concerts the odd time. . There is plenty out there if you are willing to look and make an effort – I joined a tag team without knowing anyone on it and I love it.

I do definitely agree with you on the transport system but I would take the Irish people and a shoddier transport system over the German people and an excellent transport system, but I am aware that is my personal opinion from having lived in both countries.

I don’t see your point re rural Ireland, I live very rural as do my grandparents and they love it as do I. I like that when i’m driving along and either meet another car or people out walking that they’ll wave or even stop for a chat.. I think things like that are what set us apart.

I guess it depends on your individual experience, mine has not been perfect and I see your points, but no country is perfect and overall having traveled alot and lived abroad I would still choose Ireland.

PS Jim – I don’t rate my satisfaction with life based on what politicians say. You should try be optimistic and make the best of what you have, everyone was affected by the recession. I base my opinions on my experiences living in other countries, on my friends and family and on the quality of life which I perceive to be very good in Ireland.

@CABK, Ireland laid back? are you for real? Most of the people I know are working twice as hard for half the money. Its the norm to work a 60 hr week. And the attitude from employers is your lucky to have a job. Its no wonder theres a mass exodus of top talent.