Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs Scrutinizes Project 2025 Amid Trump’s Presidency
While many join the Department of Foreign Affairs dreaming of glamorous diplomatic postings, some officials are tasked with a less enviable assignment: dissecting the 900-page policy manifesto known as Project 2025.This document, crafted by an ultraconservative U.S. think tank,aims to shape the policies of Donald Trump’s presidency.
In response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil’s malcolm Byrne, Micheál Martin confirmed that the department is closely monitoring the document. “The department is considering recent reports by a variety of US-based think tanks which may be relevant to policy development by the new US management, including the policy proposals contained in Project 2025,” Martin stated.
Though Trump has distanced himself from some of its more radical ideas, much of Project 2025’s Christian nationalist doctrine was penned by former Trump staffers. Some of its authors have already been appointed to Trump’s administration,underscoring the need for Ireland to take it seriously.
“While Project 2025 describes itself as a presidential transition project aiming to ‘pave the way for an effective conservative administration,’ it is not formally linked to President Trump’s administration. The extent to which some of its proposals will be taken up by the incoming administration remains to be seen,” Martin explained.
Offaly County Council Rejects Tony Kilduff’s artists’ Commune
Meanwhile, in Co Offaly, property investor Tony Kilduff’s vision for an artists’ retreat has hit a snag. Kilduff, a patron of the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts and a collector of contemporary works, sought to create a “small, self-sufficient commune of artists” in his native Clonfinlough.
The proposed retreat, modeled after Noelle Campbell-Sharp’s Cill Rialaig in Co Kerry, would feature four studios on a 40-acre site powered by solar panels and battery storage. Artists would stay for three to 12 months, with some selected by the RHA, which has endorsed the project.However, Offaly County Council rejected the plan, citing concerns that the development could harm the Fin Lough Special Area of Conservation. Undeterred, Kilduff has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála, with a ruling expected in May.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Project 2025 | A 900-page policy manifesto by a U.S. think tank influencing Trump’s presidency.|
| Department of Foreign Affairs | Monitoring the document for potential policy implications. |
| Tony Kilduff’s Artists’ commune | Proposed off-grid retreat in Clonfinlough, Co Offaly. |
| Offaly County Council’s Decision | Rejected due to conservation concerns; appeal pending. |
As Ireland navigates these developments, the outcomes of both Project 2025 and Kilduff’s appeal will be closely watched. Stay tuned for updates on these unfolding stories.
Ireland’s billionaires See Wealth Surge, But Domicile Levy Remains Stagnant
Ireland’s 11 billionaires saw their collective wealth grow by a staggering third to €50 billion in 2024, according to a recent report by Oxfam Ireland. The findings, released last month to coincide with the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlight the growing disparity between the super-rich and the rest of the population. Yet, despite this surge in wealth, the domicile levy—a tax designed to ensure the ultra-wealthy contribute to the exchequer—has barely budged.
The Domicile Levy: A Modest Contribution
Introduced in 2010 by the late Brian Lenihan, then Minister for finance, the domicile levy was a response to the economic crash. Its purpose was to ensure that wealthy Irish individuals living abroad for tax reasons still made a financial contribution to the state. Though, the levy has failed to keep pace with the rising fortunes of Ireland’s billionaires.
Revenue figures reveal that in 2021, €1.6 million was collected from 13 non-domiciled Irish residents. This figure rose slightly to €1.96 million from 12 people in 2022 and €2.46 million from 15 individuals in 2023. While these numbers represent a modest increase,they pale in comparison to the billions amassed by Ireland’s wealthiest.
A Call for Change
As the wealth of Ireland’s billionaires continues to grow, so too does the debate around the domicile levy. Critics argue that the levy is outdated and insufficient, failing to reflect the current economic reality. “If their wealth is on the rise,so too should be the domicile levy,shouldn’t it?” asks one commentator.
The issue has sparked calls for a more robust wealth tax system. Kathy Sheridan, in a recent opinion piece for The Irish Times, argued that “it’s a good time for a wealth tax on ireland’s 11 billionaires.” Such a move could help address growing inequality and ensure that the super-rich contribute their fair share.
Stripe’s Layoffs Add to the Conversation
Meanwhile, payment technology giant Stripe, founded by Tipperary brothers Patrick and John Collison, made headlines for its handling of layoffs. The company, which employs 8,500 people globally, including 600 in Ireland, sent an email to about 300 U.S. employees announcing their termination. The email, inexplicably, included an image of a cartoon duck, prompting widespread criticism.
Stripe later apologized for the “duck-up,” but the incident has added fuel to the debate about corporate responsibility and the treatment of workers in an era of growing wealth inequality.
Key Figures at a Glance
| Year | Domicile Levy Collected | Number of Contributors |
|——|————————-|————————|
| 2021 | €1.6 million | 13 |
| 2022 | €1.96 million | 12 |
| 2023 | €2.46 million | 15 |
What’s Next?
As Ireland’s billionaires continue to thrive, the question of how to ensure they contribute fairly to society remains unresolved. The domicile levy, once a symbol of fiscal responsibility, now appears increasingly inadequate. With calls for reform growing louder, the government faces mounting pressure to address this issue head-on.
For now, Ireland’s wealthiest can rest easy, knowing that the domicile levy is unlikely to keep them up at night. But as the gap between the rich and the rest widens, the need for meaningful change becomes ever more urgent.
Read more about Ireland’s billionaires and their growing wealth here.
Explore the debate around a wealth tax in kathy Sheridan’s opinion piece.Winemakers Expand Their Portfolio with New Dublin Pizza Venture
Naomi Murtagh, daughter of Kingspan billionaire Eugene Murtagh, and her husband, Andrew Eakin, are making headlines once again—this time for their latest venture into the culinary world. Known for their triumphant winemaking business in Bordeaux, the couple has recently acquired a new property in Killiney, Co Dublin, and is set to launch a pizza restaurant in the heart of the city.
The couple, who have been managing Château Puynard and recently acquired Château magdeleine Bouhou, have decided to spend more time in Ireland. After selling their previous Killiney home, they purchased Flagstaff Hill, a sprawling property on four acres with stunning views of Dublin. Originally listed for €4 million, the property was secured for €2.8 million, though the price only includes the house and one acre.
But the move isn’t just about settling into a new home. The couple is gearing up to open Squaredish, a pizza restaurant located at 25 St Stephen’s Green.The site was previously home to a Eurogiant discount store, making the transition to a high-end pizza spot a surprising yet exciting development.
“The reason for the new base? Pizza,” the article notes.With Squaredish, the couple aims to combine their passion for wine with a new culinary offering, creating a unique dining experiance for their clientele.
An Post CEO Points Finger at British counterparts for Parcel Mishap
In other news, An Post chief executive David McRedmond has addressed a recent parcel delivery issue, blaming British counterparts for a “boomerang parcel” that failed to reach its intended destination. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in cross-border logistics, notably in the post-Brexit era.
McRedmond’s comments come as An Post continues to navigate the complexities of international mail services. The issue underscores the importance of efficient interaction and collaboration between postal services to ensure seamless delivery for customers.
Key Highlights
| Topic | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| New Property | Flagstaff Hill, Killiney, purchased for €2.8 million on four acres |
| Pizza Venture | Squaredish to open at 25 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin |
| Winemaking Business | Château Puynard and Château magdeleine Bouhou in Bordeaux |
| An Post Parcel Issue | CEO David McRedmond blames British counterparts for delivery mishap |
As Naomi Murtagh and Andrew Eakin expand their horizons from winemaking to pizza, their latest venture promises to bring a fresh flavour to Dublin’s culinary scene. Meanwhile, An Post’s efforts to address delivery challenges highlight the evolving landscape of international logistics.
stay tuned for more updates on these developments and explore the unique offerings at Squaredish when it opens its doors.An post’s David McRedmond Defends Irish Postal Service Amid Brexit Parcel Chaos
In the wake of Brexit, cross-border parcel delivery has become a logistical nightmare for many. Recently, retired rugby referee Nigel Owens took to Twitter to vent his frustration after a signed jersey he sent to Ireland for a charity event was returned in a battered state. “And now it’s been sent back in this state as customs refused it. Bloody Brexit definately is not working,” Owens lamented, sharing an image of the damaged parcel.
David mcredmond, the ever-vigilant Chief Executive of An Post, swiftly responded to defend the Irish postal service. “Ah, very sorry about that. EU Customs require electronic data matching for parcels,” McRedmond explained. “the data is provided via the sending postal company (Royal Mail). It may be that your local post office is not recording the electronic data. It is indeed all very unfair on citizens.”
McRedmond’s intervention highlights the complexities of post-Brexit trade and the challenges faced by postal services in navigating new customs regulations. His assurance that An Post was not at fault underscores the importance of accurate data submission by sending postal companies, such as Royal Mail, to ensure smooth cross-border deliveries.
This incident is not isolated. Earlier, McRedmond had criticized Royal mail for failing small businesses in a post-Brexit world, warning of potential disruptions ahead of the Christmas season [[3]]. His proactive approach has earned him a reputation as a leader who “never fails to deliver,” even in the face of mounting challenges.
Key Challenges in Post-Brexit Parcel Delivery
| Issue | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Customs Data Requirements | EU Customs mandates electronic data matching for all parcels. |
| Sending Postal Company Role| Royal Mail and other UK postal services must provide accurate electronic data.|
| Impact on Citizens | Delays, damaged parcels, and frustration for individuals and businesses. |
As the fallout from Brexit continues to disrupt trade and logistics, mcredmond’s leadership at An Post serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and clear communication in navigating these turbulent times. For those affected by parcel delivery issues, understanding the role of customs regulations and the responsibilities of sending postal companies is crucial.
Stay informed about the latest developments in cross-border trade and postal services by following updates from An Post and other industry leaders.
Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill