Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dublin Today
Times are tough and austerity - a catch-all term for the unforgiving program of
forced cuts and revenue increases that Ireland has been dealing with of late - is
neither an abstract concept nor a temporary inconvenience. Dubliners, steeled by cen-
turies of tough times, have adjusted accordingly, but the pain is profound and ongo-
ing.
Best on Film
Adam and Paul (2004; Lenny Abrahamson) Mark O'Halloran and Tom Murphy put in compelling and convincing
performances as two junkies from the inner-city projects desperate for a fix. It's funny, pithy and occasionally silly,
but a great debut for Abrahamson nonetheless.
The Dead (1987; John Huston) Based on a short story from James Joyce's Dubliners, The Dead focuses on a din-
ner party in Dublin at the end of the 19th century and specifically the thoughts of one of the party goers. A difficult
task for Huston in his last film, and he pulls it off with aplomb.
Best in Print
Dubliners (1914; James Joyce) In our humble opinion, one of the most perfectly written collections of short stories
ever; 15 poignant and powerful tales of Dubliners and the moments that define their lives. Even if you never visit,
read this book.
New Dubliners (2005; edited by Oona Frawley) The likes of Maeve Binchy, Dermot Bolger, Roddy Doyle, Colum
McCann and Joseph O'Connor lend their respective talents to creating short stories about modern-day Dublin.
Economic Bailouts
Ever since the infamous bank guarantee of October 2008 - when the six Irish pillar banks
left dangerously exposed by the Global Financial Crisis were given a blanket guarantee of
all their liabilities (totalling €440 billion) by a panicked government - Ireland has been
mired in a profound economic crisis. The guarantee expired in 2010 and the government
was forced to turn to the EU, the European Financial Stability Fund and the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) - commonly referred to as the 'troika' - for a bailout, totalling
roughly €85 billion. This money has to be repaid, and the terms set by the troika - who
show up every three months for a progress report - have resulted in one draconian budget
after another.
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