US billionaire calls out Ireland as "no one wants to live here"

Elite Genetics

Quoting crap weather and unfriendliness.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/youre-not-welcoming-and-no-one-wants-to-live-there-us-billionaire-blasts-ireland-39820146.html

I think he has some valid points. It is dull and depressing, not sure I agree on friendliness though.

I think what he means by no one wants to live here is that the Irish themselves run away to Australia and Canada.

Ash.J.Williams

Elite Genetics wrote: »

Quoting crap weather and unfriendliness.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/youre-not-welcoming-and-no-one-wants-to-live-there-us-billionaire-blasts-ireland-39820146.html

I think he has some valid points. It is dull and depressing, not sure I agree on friendliness though.

his business is failing

lawred2

Bizarre comments really

Elite Genetics

Ash.J.Williams wrote: »

his business is failing

Apparently he's one of the most successful and respected businessmen.

Placebo Effect

Ash.J.Williams wrote: »

his business is failing

Not sure how relevant that is to the point he’s making.

I’d tend to agree with him.food is ****e, people are nosey, not friendly and the weather speaks for itself. It’s an expensive place to live with high taxation on the worker.


Sure we’re great craic...

ElJeffe

Not a lot wrong with what he said there tbh.

Gruffalux

Haha He is not wrong about the food and weather. It is often shyte but with moments of heart stopping revelation.
I love this country and the people but the whole blather about the wonderful "Irish" is a bit condescending.
I am not all that sad about him thinking we are unfriendly. A bit of honest Eastern European style grumpiness would do us no harm. The top o the morning milking the brim of the hat shyte has long worn thin.
A few years ago I was having a month in Bulgaria and the locals were delightfully unimpressed and misanthropic. None of this licking your arse spiel. They could not give a toss where you were from, had barely the patience or interest to take your order, much less converse. I loved their honest humanity. I found the same in Hungary. Nobody putting on a show. Other countries too. I enjoy it. Plamas is unnerving. Let us be honest and unfriendly and grouchy and say fcuk you Mr Billionaire, like it or lump it, we are done pretending to be nice and oozy all the time like some creepy paedophile uncle. No more sycophancy.

Elite Genetics

Placebo Effect wrote: »

Not sure how relevant that is to the point he’s making.

I’d tend to agree with him.food is ****e, people are nosey, not friendly and the weather speaks for itself. It’s an expensive place to live with high taxation on the worker.


Sure we’re great craic...

Very good points, he didn't mention taxation but housing prices and taxation are out of this world when you think about it. Public transport is crap and you're forced to use a car if you work anywhere outside the main commerce centres which means you're paying thousands for rip off insurance companies.

Elite Genetics

Gruffalux wrote: »

Haha He is not wrong about the food and weather. It is often shyte but with moments of heart stopping revelation.
I love this country and the people but the whole blather about the wonderful "Irish" is a bit condescending.
I am not all that sad about him thinking we are unfriendly. A bit of honest Eastern European style grumpiness would do us no harm. The top o the morning milking the brim of the hat shyte has long worn thin.
A few years ago I was having a month in Bulgaria and the locals were delightfully unimpressed and misanthropic. None of this licking your arse spiel. They could not give a toss where you were from, had barely the patience or interest to take your order, much less converse. I loved their honest humanity. I found the same in Hungary. Nobody putting on a show. Other countries too. I enjoy it. Plamas is unnerving. Let us be honest and unfriendly and grouchy and say fcuk you Mr Billionaire, like it or lump it, we are done pretending to be nice and oozy all the time like some creepy paedophile uncle. No more sycophancy.

Ireland looks great for the 5 days of great weather we have every year. Unfortunately places like Phoenix park and Wicklow mountains are completely overrun with hordes of humans which ruins the experience.

Placebo Effect

Elite Genetics wrote: »

Very good points, he didn't mention taxation but housing prices and taxation are out of this world when you think about it. Public transport is crap and you're forced to use a car if you work anywhere outside the main commerce centres which means you're paying thousands for rip off insurance companies.

How could I forget public transport , I’ll raise you a dysfunctional political system completely absorbed in self interest.

JPCN1

I think he's a mate of Paddy Cosgrave, another deity of the tech world.

zerosugarbuzz

Placebo Effect wrote: »

Not sure how relevant that is to the point he’s making.

I’d tend to agree with him.food is ****e, people are nosey, not friendly and the weather speaks for itself. It’s an expensive place to live with high taxation on the worker.


Sure we’re great craic...

In fairness our home grown ingredients are top notch. If you can’t cook with them, buy in cheap retail outlets or eat in dodgy restaurants then yes, the food you’re eating is ****e.

alchemist33

Tax and weather, sure. But food? There's never been more choice, whether restaurants (when open) or making your own. Someone who says the food is bad should eat something else. And I really can't believe we're significantly more unfriendly than anywhere else. Sounds like he made that up or hasn't had his backside licked enough.

Level 42

He ain't wrong. Terrible weather, poor food all spud based and a country where its not what you know its who you know regarding a career.

Peregrinus

Elite Genetics wrote: »

. . . I think what he means by no one wants to live here is that the Irish themselves run away to Australia and Canada.

Mmm. Hard to recognise with the observed reality that Ireland experiences substantial net immigration.

Elite Genetics wrote: »

Very good points, he didn't mention taxation but housing prices and taxation are out of this world when you think about it. Public transport is crap and you're forced to use a car if you work anywhere outside the main commerce centres which means you're paying thousands for rip off insurance companies.

Yeah, the standard whinges. While there are some points worth addressing here, the reality is that, tax-wise, Ireland is a bit over mid-range among OECD economies. And the comment that if you live outside the main commerce centres you don't have adequate public transport and are forced to run a car is not one which anyone in the US is well-positioned to level against Ireland.

Placebo Effect wrote: »

How could I forget public transport , I’ll raise you a dysfunctional political system completely absorbed in self interest.

Again, these days, someone based in the US does not want to get into a pissing contest about which country has the more dysfunctional political system!

To be fair to Prince, as reported here he doesn't make any of these points. His comments are about the weather (which is odd; Ireland has one of the most benign climates in the world) and the food (OK, I'll give him that) and the fact that we're not very welcoming. That last one is interesting, since the stereotype is that Irish culture is very friendly and welcoming. I note that, per the newspaper report, he got push-back on that point in particular. Be interesting to hear him expand on what he means by that.

Bullocks

I'd say his own mother wouldn't give that flute much of a welcome. Sure this is a great country to live in

Vittu

We have so much going for us as a country. Safety is one. Multiple attacks on innocent people across a range of EU countries and the world by stabbing or driving into crowds etc. No wars or major corruption, education, healthcare. We are not the best but far from the worst. I think we love to whinge. I do wish we got more sunny days though.

Ave Sodalis

I don't think I'd be too upset about it. Not only is the food in America terrible, but the entire food system is broken. Our weather is poor, but rarely dangerous. And as someone who has worked in a restaurant, some Americans think we are unfriendly because we are not extremely fake. I wouldn't take too much offense to country criticism from someone in the biggest laughing stock of a country on the planet.

corcaigh07

JPCN1 wrote: »

I think he's a mate of Paddy Cosgrave, another deity of the tech world.

Makes a bit more sense after knowing that

Elite Genetics

Peregrinus wrote: »

Mmm. Hard to recognise with the observed reality that Ireland experiences substantial net immigration.


Yeah, the standard whinges. While there are some points worth addressing here, the reality is that, tax-wise, Ireland is a bit over mid-range among OECD economies. And the comment that if you live outside the main commerce centres you don't have adequate public transport and are forced to run a car is not one which anyone in the US is well-positioned to level against Ireland.


Again, these days, someone based in the US does not want to get into a pissing contest about which country has the more dysfunctional political system!

To be fair to Prince, as reported here he doesn't make any of these points. His comments are about the weather (which is odd; Ireland has one of the most benign climates in the world) and the food (OK, I'll give him that) and the fact that we're not very welcoming. That last one is interesting, since the stereotype is that Irish culture is very friendly and welcoming. I note that, per the newspaper report, he got push-back on that point in particular. Be interesting to hear him expand on what he means by that.

In regards to cars, you cannot compare it. In the US, cost of fuel is not even considered an expense, that's why so many of them run these massive gas guzzler cars. Other things like motor tax and insurance doesn't exist in many states or at least is not mandatory which brings down the prices.

(which is odd; Ireland has one of the most benign climates in the world)

What do you mean benign? Is most of continental Europe suffering from massive earthquakes or tornadoes? What a bizzare comparison. I'm sure people would love some heatwaves every so often to enjoy the summer and not complain. He obviously meant cloudy skies and rain for150 - 240 days per year depending on your location.

Also regarding immigration, it's not people coming from countries like Germany, France or UK etc. vast majority is from poor eastern european countries so Ireland is like heaven in comparison. If you use the European minimum salary graph, you will see that living here on dole, you will make twice as much as someone working a full time job in many former warsaw pact countries.

stoneill

It's his opinion, maybe he is just one of those awful people and nobody likes him so it reflects on the experience he gets.

Elite Genetics

Vittu wrote: »

We have so much going for us as a country. Safety is one. Multiple attacks on innocent people across a range of EU countries and the world by stabbing or driving into crowds etc. No wars or major corruption, education, healthcare. We are not the best but far from the worst. I think we love to whinge. I do wish we got more sunny days though.

Limerick and Dublin are known as stab cities. In EU countries you're allowed pepper sprays and tasers, in some nations, firearms are permitted after licensing process so you at least have something to protect yourself with. In here you're just supposed to get stabbed so you better learn to run fast.

Also lol'd at healthcare, half of the country is on the waiting list and will likely perish before diagnosis.

Sky King

We need to get over our obsessive need for validation, to be seen as being 'sound' ... to agonise over how we're perceived elsewhere.

Go on a tourists YouTube video guide OF Ireland, or a video guide which explains irish accents and sayings to outsiders and it's all Irish eejits in the comments.

And don't get me started on the 'sound irish football fans' changing peoples tyres and cutting people's lawns. Fkin CRINGE.

We're not that sound. Its a total veneer of fakeness which is a combination of the aforementioned need for validation mixed with an inferiority complex, blended with our total indirectness as a culture.

Speak to an immigrant in this country. Irish people are unbelievably cliquey and difficult to make good friends with after you crack past the first hour or so.

sparkledrum

I can't understand why people are agreeing with him on food. I'm presuming he's talking about restaurant food. We have so much choice. It's a bit of a broad statement to make.

Ireland is a great place to live, work and bring up kids.

The J Stands for Jay

Elite Genetics wrote: »

Public transport is crap and you're forced to use a car if you work anywhere outside the main commerce centres.

Sounds like the USA, where that guy is from.

The J Stands for Jay

Placebo Effect wrote: »

How could I forget public transport , I’ll raise you a dysfunctional political system completely absorbed in self interest.

Sounds like the USA, where that guy is from.

The J Stands for Jay

Elite Genetics wrote: »

(which is odd; Ireland has one of the most benign climates in the world)

What do you mean benign? Is most of continental Europe suffering from massive earthquakes or tornadoes? What a bizzare comparison. I'm sure people would love some heatwaves every so often to enjoy the summer and not complain. He obviously meant cloudy skies and rain for150 - 240 days per year depending on your location.

You do get earthquakes is places like Greece and Italy. There even a few volcanoes about. Places get snowed in, there's heatwaves that kill hundreds of old people, flash flooding washing away villages. Our climate is boringly benign.

Gruffalux

In fairness though people will never leave you stranded with a flat on the side of the road. Even last week some young farmer appeared out of nowhere during a howling tempest and I with a burst tyre in the dark on a dangerous turn of the road, and he helped without hardly a word and disappeared into the gales afterwards. We could be known as wild and morose dark-souled heroes like Heathcliff maybe...

titan18

Vittu wrote: »

We have so much going for us as a country. Safety is one. Multiple attacks on innocent people across a range of EU countries and the world by stabbing or driving into crowds etc. No wars or major corruption, education, healthcare. We are not the best but far from the worst. I think we love to whinge. I do wish we got more sunny days though.

Not the worst shouldn't be an achievement. Sure Dublin is better than Damascus or Baghdad but it's not competing with those cities either.

Just comparing EU capitals, would you rather live in Dublin, Lisbon, Berlin, London, Amsterdam etc?

We're high cost of living, high taxation, crap services, crap weather (although lots of EU cities have crap weather too tbf) and whilst I disagree with his opinion on us being very unfriendly, I think if you're new to Ireland, it can be hard to meet people and make friends.

Elite Genetics

McGaggs wrote: »

You do get earthquakes is places like Greece and Italy. There even a few volcanoes about. Places get snowed in, there's heatwaves that kill hundreds of old people, flash flooding washing away villages. Our climate is boringly benign.

The chaos that goes on in Italy, volcanoes consuming cities whole. Thousands of people dying. How dare you?!

Gruffalux

sparkledrum wrote: »

I can't understand why people are agreeing with him on food. I'm presuming he's talking about restaurant food. We have so much choice. It's a bit of a broad statement to make.

I presume its the restaurant food. I begrudge paying for what I can make far better myself. We do have great ingredients.

Idbatterim

Infrastructure is a joke. Insane marginal rate of tax over a pittance, insane housing costs in Dublin, free accommodation if you are a waster, partially explains the need for an insane marginal tax, which even hits the working poor salary in Dublin... we have a relatively tiny elderly population and no military expenditure either...

Graces7

It would be interesting and informative if posters on this thread state if they are Irish or incomer?

Incomer here over 20 years in Ireland

Re the weather; depends where you came from. I moved from Orkney.

Welcoming? varies and yes has gone downhill recently. Definitely and noticeably. I was watching a tourist series on youtube. a UK couple here in a van and the episode re the overwhelming welcome the locals gave them was breathtaking!

But that is when you are visiting;living here can be very different. For many reasons.

So maybe it depends on your expecatations?

Dufflecoat Fanny

Nobody sent for him he can stay in silicon Valley

Dempo1

Level 42 wrote: »

He ain't wrong. Terrible weather, poor food all spud based and a country where its not what you know its who you know regarding a career.

He's certainly not and how refreshing to hear a blunt assessment of Ireland in the 2000"s.

Lets be honest here, we Irish seem somewhat obsessed with the notion the world thinks Ireland is the bastion of hospitality, welcomingness, fantastic food and the land of fairytales. Its a nonsense, I don't know why, I could guess, but we've become very unwelcoming (unless there's a few bob in it), Ireland has lost the plot in terms of general cost of living and Nevin Maguires, delightful recepies does not make Ireland the gastronomic centre of the world.

We also don't react well to the slightest critism, you've only got to look at TripAdvisor, Irish hospitality business owners are by far the most vocal when it comes to reacting to tourists less than acceptable experiences, some are just Hillarious albeit cringe worthy.

We have sadly become quite, Adept at the principle of Gouging.

I'm more curious about this Guys personal experience, it seems to me its not an isolated experience and he's clearly getting feedback.

Failte Ireland, I'm afraid should infact Rebrand to 'Mé Féin'

Slasher

It appears he got his information from Paddy Cosgrave. Enough said.

lawred2

Level 42 wrote: »

He ain't wrong. Terrible weather, poor food all spud based and a country where its not what you know its who you know regarding a career.

All spud based?

Sorry the 1840s just called..

ImAHappyCamper

Gruffalux wrote: »

Haha He is not wrong about the food and weather. It is often shyte but with moments of heart stopping revelation.
I love this country and the people but the whole blather about the wonderful "Irish" is a bit condescending.
I am not all that sad about him thinking we are unfriendly. A bit of honest Eastern European style grumpiness would do us no harm. The top o the morning milking the brim of the hat shyte has long worn thin.
A few years ago I was having a month in Bulgaria and the locals were delightfully unimpressed and misanthropic. None of this licking your arse spiel. They could not give a toss where you were from, had barely the patience or interest to take your order, much less converse. I loved their honest humanity. I found the same in Hungary. Nobody putting on a show. Other countries too. I enjoy it. Plamas is unnerving. Let us be honest and unfriendly and grouchy and say fcuk you Mr Billionaire, like it or lump it, we are done pretending to be nice and oozy all the time like some creepy paedophile uncle. No more sycophancy.

Well said. I lived in Austria and Germany for 8 years combined and while at the time I considered the people there to be distant, aloof,rude etc I now look back and think at least they were being honest and not putting on a show. You knew EXACTLY where you stood with them.

lawred2

Personal taxation however is obscene here

Sky King

ImAHappyCamper wrote: »

Well said. I lived in Austria and Germany for 8 years combined and while at the time I considered the people there to be distant, aloof,rude etc I now look back and think at least they were being honest and not putting on a show. You knew EXACTLY where you stood with them.

Our indirectness is really fukin weird, and it's only when you experience direct cultures that you notice it moreso.

Interesting article on it:
https://www.watershedassociates.com/learning-center-item/direct-communication-vs-indirect-communication.html#:~:text=In%20indirect%20cultures%2C%20on%20the,even%20in%20a%20business%20setting.

There's loads of this stuff online.

buried

Oh no, distraught I am at the thought that some Ayn Rand worshiping cardigan jumper from the valley of Silicon doesn't want to come here. Lets us all jump in the river.

Idbatterim

lawred2 wrote: »

Personal taxation however is obscene here

It's actually not. Low income earners contribute virtually nothing in employment taxes, way less than the share they would pay in other countries.there is as good as no property tax. It's the mid and particularly high earners shafted here and get sfa back for it!

Blondini

Best country in the world to live in. If you don't like it, fcuck off somewhere else to live.

COVID

Level 42 wrote: »

He ain't wrong. Terrible weather, poor food all spud based and a country where its not what you know its who you know regarding a career.

I'm guessing, by your name, that you prefer to eat the Chinese way.

fits

Sky King wrote: »

Our indirectness is really fukin weird, and it's only when you experience direct cultures that you notice it moreso.

Interesting article on it:
https://www.watershedassociates.com/learning-center-item/direct-communication-vs-indirect-communication.html#:~:text=In%20indirect%20cultures%2C%20on%20the,even%20in%20a%20business%20setting.

There's loads of this stuff online.

Agree 100%. I find it much easier to deal with when folks are straightforward

As for this businessman so what. Not everyone has to like ireland and not everyone does. It’s no big deal.

titan18

buried wrote: »

Oh no, distraught I am at the thought that some Ayn Rand worshiping cardigan jumper from the valley of Silicon doesn't want to come here. Lets us all jump in the river.

Tbf, considering he has a company that employs people here, and likely knows others with companies who employ people here, we should be worried cos if enough of those Silicon Valley guys start going nah, not Ireland, we're fcuked

Level 42

COVID wrote: »

I'm guessing, by your name, that you prefer to eat the Chinese way.

Care to share that guess I have no idea what the fcuk you are referring to

Dempo1

Slasher wrote: »

It appears he got his information from Paddy Cosgrave. Enough said.

Poor Paddy, must be a terrible time for him at the moment, my heart bleeds daily for his woes. At least he'll be quite snug in his absurd woolly jumpers this coming winter.

Bigus

People from very hot dry countries, really appreciate our Irish weather, I’ve been told this, numerous times , first hand from both tourists and full time immigrants to Ireland from Australia,Florida,Texas, the Middle East and even met people from Germany and Italy, who come here summertime for the cool.

Their quest for colder climate, helped me appreciate our actual weather and also how get the most out of it ,by adapting my outdoor activities to suit. I also have experience of living for extended periods in hot countries so I’m not blinkered and would much prefer our mix, rather than intense heat, especially now with actual global warming.

buried

titan18 wrote: »

Tbf, considering he has a company that employs people here, and likely knows others with companies who employ people here, we should be worried cos if enough of those Silicon Valley guys start going nah, not Ireland, we're fcuked

They'll only leave when they lose the cushty tax breaks they get for basing some centre here, not when they suddenly decide that they don't like the weather, which they knew all about anyways.