Next Round

As the U.N. General Assembly wraps up, President Higgins’ recent comments have sparked controversy, raising questions about how far he has stretched the boundaries of his role. In this episode, we examine the evolving nature of the presidency and look ahead to next year’s election, discussing what the office could represent and the key challenges it faces.Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar emphasises that a united Ireland should be seen as an "objective" rather than merely an "aspiration" for the political establishment in the Republic. We take a closer look at Northern Ireland’s economy and explore the realities of what a united Ireland might entail. Meanwhile, new data on job churn reveals a decline, signalling relative stability in the Irish economy – a positive indicator of overall health.Follow us on social media:www.instagram.com/nextroundpod www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod  Dale McDermotthttp://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott  David W. Higgins https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidwWATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCASTYouTubewww.youtube.com/@nextroundpod Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiMApplehttps://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716Amazonhttps://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round

A new long-read article from Bloomberg draws attention to the “dating recession”, how 13.3m extra singles emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and are now adding to an “epidemic of loneliness” in the US. We discuss the decline in social and group activities, the implications for Ireland, and how it can turn around. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-10/us-economy-is-reshaped-by-covid-fueled-dating-recession The US Federal Reserve delivered a 50 basis points (0.5%) cut in interest rates this week, while the Bank of England held rates unchanged. We contrast the two economies and ask if central bank independence is on the way out in the event of a second Trump presidency. Finally, a new poll in the Irish Times gives a boost to Simon Harris and Fine Gael. It also reveals that cost-of-living concerns haven’t gone away. Voters believe this will be the main issue that determines their vote at the general election. They also believe it’s the main issue they want addressed at the budget. The poll also shows that two-third of voters believe young people have better life prospects overseas. Follow us on social media: www.instagram.com/nextroundpod  www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod  www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod  Dale McDermott http://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott  David W. Higgins  https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw  WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST YouTube www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716 Amazon https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round 

The European Court of Justice ruled that Apple’s tax structure in Ireland amounted to illegal state aid and Ireland will receive over €13 billion in unpaid taxes. We analyse the fallout; what does it mean for Ireland’s industrial policy, should the government save it or spend it on the key challenges facing the country?Mario Draghi's report The Future of European Competitiveness presents a comprehensive assessment of the EU's current economic challenges, and a set of recommendations aimed at restoring its competitiveness on the global stage. We discuss the 400-page report and ask where to for Europe?US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris took the stage last evening in the first (and likely last!) debate – was it a knockout for Harris or is Trump being underestimated again? Follow us on social media:www.instagram.com/nextroundpodwww.tiktok.com/@nextroundpodwww.twitter.com/@nextround_pod Dale McDermotthttp://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott David W. Higginshttps://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCASTYouTubewww.youtube.com/@nextroundpodSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiMApplehttps://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716Amazonhttps://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round 

David attended the launch of Progress Ireland, a new think tank launched by Sean Keyes and a team of colleagues. The think tank believes in “unlocking Ireland’s potential” in the areas of housing, infrastructure and innovation.  We discuss the wider issue of Ireland’s budget surplus, termed a “luxury problem” recently in the Financial Times. Corporate tax posted another set of strong receipts in August, giving the government room in the budget. Sinn Féin has launched its new housing policy. Government critics say it’s not real home ownership if the state owns the land beneath your house. We discuss this and ask if unwinding so many government initiatives in housing will really happen. Is 300,000 too few homes? Follow us on social media: www.instagram.com/nextroundpod  www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod  www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod   Dale McDermott http://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott   David W. Higgins  https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw  WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST YouTube www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716 Amazon https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round 

As high-profile restaurants shutter their doors and price gouging concerns rise with the upcoming Oasis concert, we delve into the state of Ireland’s hospitality sector. With calls for a return of the 9% VAT rate, we debate whether it should be reinstated. Is this tax break crucial for the industry's survival, or is it enabling unfair pricing practices? Ireland’s population has surged by 98,700 in the past year, marking the largest increase since 2008. However, with a pre-existing deficit of 256,000 homes as of 2022, we ask: Are we doing enough to build the infrastructure needed to support this growth? What does this mean for Ireland's future, and how can we address the housing crisis?New CSO data reveals that earnings have increased by 5.6% on average over the last 12 months. But with skyrocketing rent and car insurance costs, is the inflation rate genuinely reflective of the everyday goods and services people rely on? We explore whether the official numbers align with the reality faced by consumers.Correction: Around 18 minutes, the point was made that the 9% VAT on hospitality was in place prior to COVID. In fact, the temporary 9% VAT rate was enacted in November 2020, during the pandemic.Follow us on social media:www.instagram.com/nextroundpod www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod Dale McDermotthttp://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott David W. Higgins https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidwWATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCASTYouTubewww.youtube.com/@nextroundpod Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiMApplehttps://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716Amazonhttps://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round

As Olympic athletes celebrate their homecomings, Dale raises the topic of OnlyFans, a platform used by many athletes to supplement their incomes and fund their dreams. Is this a tragedy or a triumph? We discuss the wider porn industry and the high engagement from creators and users. Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has suggested that Ireland could host the 2072 Olympics, nearly 5 decades from now. Is this too grand an ambition or just right for a small country to aim for? Finally, David talks through some new data on industrial relations. All is at peace, it seems, but history tells us that workers have previously taken to picket lines in great numbers to bargain for higher wages. Are those days destined to return?Follow us on social media: www.instagram.com/nextroundpod  www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod  www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod   Dale McDermott http://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott   David W. Higgins  https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw  WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST YouTube www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716 Amazon https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round  

Amid recent market turmoil across the world, we dive into last week’s stock market turbulence and its implications. We discuss the fallout from speculative yen borrowing, disappointing jobs data, missed earnings from AI and the "Magnificent 7," and the Fed's decision to hold off on interest rate cuts. Is this the perfect storm or just August jitters? Plus, Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as her VP nominee—was it a mistake reminiscent of 2016? We analyse the electoral map, focusing on key states. In the UK, riots erupt over far-right misinformation. What’s fueling the unrest, and how does social media play a role?Follow us on social media:www.instagram.com/nextroundpod www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod Dale McDermotthttp://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott David W. Higgins https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidwWATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCASTYouTubewww.youtube.com/@nextroundpod Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiMApplehttps://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716Amazonhttps://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round

Daragh Cassidy is the current Head of Communications at bonkers.ie, the price comparison and switching website. Before joining bonkers.ie Daragh had over 10 years’ experience working in the banking and insurance industry. In his current role, Daragh regularly writes for the company’s popular blog and has appeared on numerous local and national radio and TV show to discuss personal finance matters, energy related topics, and consumer affairs. We start by asking Daragh his journey to bonkers and the work he does there. Mortgages are a topic we discuss deeply, as the ECB now faces the challenge of slightly higher inflation than expected. Rates may stay higher for longer so it’s foolish to hold off buying your first home until they come down.  Revolut takes centre stage as we explore its success as a challenger bank and its planned venture into mortgage lending. But is it safe? Daragh unpacks the types of fraud customers face across the various banks in Ireland. PR plays a huge role in the relief they provide to customers. Savers should be moving vast sums of money into savings accounts, but they aren’t. We Irish love inertia more than a bargain! Utilities are explored as we continue to see energy price cuts, but broadband providers face ongoing customer complaints. Daragh says we need more teeth in our regulation, and we may be too afraid of clamping down in case we lose providers. Dublin forms the end of our discussion as Daragh lays out the changes our capital city should see. A whole episode could be had on that one. Many thanks to Daragh for his time on the show. Follow us on social media: www.instagram.com/nextroundpod  www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod  www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod   Dale McDermott http://linktr.ee/dalemcdermott  David W. Higgins  https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidw WATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST YouTube www.youtube.com/@nextroundpod  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiM Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716 Amazon https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round 

Shoplifting in England and Wales has soared to a 20-year peak, with a staggering 60% increase in just two years. This alarming trend, coupled with a surge in street thefts, underscores a growing crisis highlighted by ONS data. We delve into the underlying causes and far-reaching impacts. We also explore how home size correlates with fertility rates worldwide. In the housing market, Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies are outbidding first-time buyers and dominating over "vulture funds," raising questions about the future of the social contract. Follow us on social media:www.instagram.com/nextroundpod www.tiktok.com/@nextroundpod www.twitter.com/@nextround_pod Dale McDermottwww.twitter.com/@dalemcdermottwww.instagram.com/dale.mcdermottDavid W. Higgins https://linktr.ee/higginsdavidwWATCH & LISTEN TO THE PODCASTYouTubewww.youtube.com/@nextroundpod Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0hz9Bub1DuatD6lC6fWMiMApplehttps://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/next-round/id1739658716Amazonhttps://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/5b7d4187-ee8c-4494-bbf9-f6e5465d1ee9/next-round