However, she said financial reforms are needed to avoid the next big crisis, though the recent sharp swings on the markets are not in themselves a cause for alarm. Given that international markets are so jittery, the fact consumer confidence in the Republic has hit its highest point in 17 years has been greeted with words of caution. KBC Bank Ireland chief economist Austin Hughes is at pains to point out that it doesn’t signal a return to the economic boom. The head of the Irish Whiskey Association has said the rising tide for its members will need the support of its suppliers. Derek Scally meets the Berlin lawyer facing down the giants of theGerman motor industry in the pursuit of cleaner air.

Source: The Irish Times February 12, 2018 06:31 UTC