The Trumpquake: Power, Divisions, and a New World Order

As Ireland inches toward a new government, the housing crisis dominates the agenda. But what if the solution lies not in political reshuffling, but in taking inspiration from unexpected places—like Japan? With Tokyo building 145,000 homes in a single year compared to London’s mere 38,000, we explore how rethinking urban density, bulldozing outdated planning laws, and embracing modular innovation could transform Ireland's housing landscape. Why are Anglophone nations stuck at 400 homes per 1,000 residents, while their European counterparts boast 560? We dive into the cultural shifts, global comparisons, and the collective effort required to address this disparity—arguing that it’s time to abandon our obsession with old, draughty houses and embrace a bold new vision. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of Ireland’s election, we shift focus to the global forces shaping our lives. Why can’t today’s youth afford homes like their parents could? The answer lies far beyond Ireland—in decisions made in Beijing in the 1990s, the mechanics of global monetary systems, and the ripple effects of China’s currency strategies on interest rates and property prices worldwide.Join us as we connect the dots between China's rise, America’s spending habits, and how these forces turned Irish homes into financial assets rather than affordable shelters. Plus, hear from monetary historian Russell Napier about what the unraveling of these 30-year trends could mean for the future. It's a deep dive into money, power, and policy you won’t want to miss. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we tackle Ireland's election season, where policies are less about vision and more about swapping slogans. We explore how a lack of imagination in housing and infrastructure could undermine one of the world’s wealthiest nations. From Dublin's derelict buildings to Finland's solutions for homelessness, we dive into how local councils can learn to self-finance and finally address Ireland's housing crisis. We zoom out to examine the global context: Trumpism's shadow over Ireland's economic model and how a looming U.S. civil war—between corporate boardrooms and MAGA ideologues—might reshape foreign direct investment and Ireland’s reliance on American multinationals. As history shows, great decisions often emerge in hard times. Will Ireland rise to the occasion, or settle for short-term thinking? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're connecting the dots between the Irish electoral cycle, immigration, and the global aftershocks of Trumpism. Ireland’s housing crisis, surging immigration, and emigration of young talent all tell a story of a country grappling with rapid change—but are the political elites ready to face the challenge? We discuss how immigration fuels innovation and economic growth but also sparks social tension. With over 149,000 immigrants arriving this year alone and rents skyrocketing, is Ireland equipped to balance supply with surging demand? Plus, we explore how Trumpism is reshaping the world order and challenging elites globally—posing a question for Ireland’s leaders: can they rise to the occasion or will they repeat the mistakes of the past?  Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're tackling two seismic shifts in politics: Ireland’s sugar-rush election and Trumpism’s ripple effects across Europe. As Irish politicians shower voters with freebies—from energy credits to student grants—are they ignoring the storm clouds brewing overseas? Meanwhile, Germany is picking up the phone to Russia, reshaping the geopolitics of Europe as Trump’s influence pushes allies to rethink old alliances. What does Ireland’s obsession with giveaways say about its political class, and how will Trumpism challenge Ireland's economic model? From Olaf Scholz to selection boxes, and from bounties (both the chocolates and political ones) to balanced budgets, join us as we explore how the world—and Ireland—may be on the cusp of monumental change. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.