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Chris's avatar

Jim u declined to chair or talk at the solar farm debate which is fair enough,could u maybe dug into it and find out the argument against in particular we know the argument for ,I have read some of the stuff about the project but can't find the nub of the argument against it and apparently it's overwhelmingly against .maybe these projects need some kind of share Plan or something other than a pat on the back for locals.

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Jim Power & Chris Johns's avatar

I haven't been down home since last year so i know nothing about the project. Since my mother died a couple of years ago i have lost my connection. I am just too busy to go down and research the project and do not feel qualified to talk about it. I believe the biggest issue is the scale of the project.

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Jim Power & Chris Johns's avatar

If I might add, or perhaps elaborate on your comment: offer locals a share of revenues from adjacent wind/solar/nuclear(!) plants.

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Jim Power & Chris Johns's avatar

I believe cheques were written to locals when the Ringsend incineration plant was built.

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Jim Power & Chris Johns's avatar

Indeed that would help acceptance.

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Chris's avatar

Definitely local control or financial benefit is the way these projects should be operated

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Sean's avatar

Thanks again.

What’s your thoughts on the role of the fiscal response to inflation?

In the wake of the Great Recession, there were a number of politicians who proclaimed themselves to be believers in Keynesian economics, calling for stimulus. Where have they all gone? Sticking to their economic principles, they should be calling for tax rises and spending cuts any time about now surely?

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Jim Power & Chris Johns's avatar

Thanks Sean, it’s a good point. I haven’t seen too many people say it - I recall someone in the IMF saying fiscal policy has now to be tightened in response to inflation but not many others have gone near the subject. I suspect that’s because ‘austerity’ is so politically toxic. And yes, fiscal policy most definitely should play a role in tackling inflation.

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Deirdre Mooney's avatar

Once again you didn’t disappoint! Nice & varied, I enjoyed the defence of the central banks - but they can do more - just like our Gov can suddenly find Solutions to long term housing issues now that we are expecting an influx of refugees!!

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Jim Power & Chris Johns's avatar

Thanks Deirdre. Yes, we suddenly don’t have enough hotels, let alone houses.

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