DUBLIN: A strange sense of arrogance has resurfaced in Ireland this year. It reminds me of the attitude which prevailed at the height of the so-called Celtic Tiger, ahead of the 2008 crash.
At that time, there was a feverish rush to jack up prices in many parts of the Irish economy, and that had the ultimate effect of breaking the economy.
The global financial crisis acted as the catalyst for that downturn. It is not hard to find triggers for another one now.
Around 2005, it seemed like no wrong could be committed in the surging Irish economy. Property prices were racing, wage inflation mushroomed, tourism costs rocketed, and borrowings went through the roof.
