John FitzGerald on the ‘poor show’ of a trade deal struck between the EU and the US

And why it’s time for the Irish economy to take a break

Listen | 23:32
Did the EU have its hands tied when it came to the trade deal that was eventually struck with the US? Photograph: Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times
Did the EU have its hands tied when it came to the trade deal that was eventually struck with the US? Photograph: Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times

This week host Ciarán Hancock is joined in studio by economist and Irish Times contributor John FitzGerald. He gives his reaction to the EU-US trade deal that will see a 15% tariff rate on European imports going into the US, a deal that he feels the EU had agreed to with ‘two hands tied behind its back’ on account of its continued reliance on the US when it comes to the war in Ukraine.

Also, ahead of Budget 2026 John outlines the need for the Government to stop pumping money into a booming economy and focus on making space for much-needed infrastructure. He feels we are inflating the economy when we should be cutting expenditure or raising taxes, neither of which would be politically popular.

Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound.

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