Next Round

Next Round Podcast with @dalemcdermott and @higginsdavidw covers current issues in the economy, politics and society.

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Episode 40 of @nextround_pod | Canada is Not for Sale! US recession and RPZ rent control reforms

Canada is once again the focus of the new US administration. The threat of tariffs lingers, and there's a more sinister suggestion of border changes around the Great Lakes. Is Canada being pushed to become the 51st state?

Forecasts for recession in the United States are picking up, driven by the government slowdown. The new administration is talking about excluding the government from its GDP calculation. But does this really work?

The Irish housing crisis continues to bubble in the background amid all this global tension. @higginsdavidw has a new article in the Irish Independent on the topic of RPZ rent controls. We discuss the merits of lifting this policy and the impact on renters. Links to watch and listen are below 👇🏻

[David W. Higgins @higginsdavidw]

I referenced Johnson on @nextround_pod yesterday. He's a voice that will matter a lot in any 🇺🇦/🇷🇺 deal.

Spot on here. 🇺🇦 must be free to join NATO after the war, with NATO acceptance being the key, not 🇷🇺 acceptance.

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Episode 38 of @nextround_pod | DOGE for Ireland? Vance in Munich. Must DEI die?

With Irish government spending surpassing €100bn this year, we ask whether a body for “government efficiency” is needed. @higginsdavidw fills us in on an article he wrote in the Irish Independent this week. DOGE may not be the best fit for Ireland, but something is needed.

US Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Munich Security Conference this week. In a landmark speech, he attacked democracy in Europe, sided with local right-wing parties, and called for more spending on defence. But is this hypocrisy from an administration which doesn’t believe it lost the 2020 election?

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes are being rolled back across organisations. We debate whether this is right, or just perpetuating the same people hiring people like them. Maybe there’s some merit in organisations hiring staff that reflects their customers? Links to watch and listen are below 👇🏻

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Episode 37 of @nextround_pod - Make Ireland Poor Again (MIPA), Living at Home Data, UK’s Woes

Make Ireland Poor Again. @higginsdavidw tells us why he now uses this phrase to describe a new group of people in Ireland. They’re the voices that have resurfaced to once again call on the Taoiseach to boycott a meeting with the US President on St. Patrick’s Day. With thousands of jobs on the line from tariffs, the last thing any country should consider is ignoring the new US administration.

The CSO’s latest release of the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) survey shows a challenging picture for 25-year-olds in Ireland. 7-in-10 report still living with their parents. But this is considerably higher than at the 2022 census. We discuss the different measures of this data and what is or isn’t included in each.

The UK’s economic woes are once again on our minds. Their wide government deficit and current account deficit (twin deficits) paints a bleak picture. Growth remains sluggish and the Bank of England has cut by 25bps, citing this growth as a key concern. Some BoE members even voted for a 50bps cut. We discuss the bleak picture, but also consider ways for the UK to pull through. Links to watch & listen are below! 👇🏻

[Next Round @nextround_pod]

A tongue in cheek idea.

Ireland buys Greenland?

@higginsdavidw @dalemcdermott

[Next Round @nextround_pod]

Canada is in crisis amid new tariffs by the Trump administration.

@dalemcdermott and @higginsdavidw talk about Canada's geography and the strength of connectivity to the US.

[Next Round @nextround_pod]

The Irish housing market is full of surprises.

New housing supply was down 6.7% YoY in 2024 (CSO).

But the number of first time buyers was up 10.8% YoY in Q4 2024 (BPFI mortgage drawdowns).

@higginsdavidw @dalemcdermott

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Episode 36 of @nextround_pod - Housing Confusion, Trump’s Tariff Gamble & Zuck’s Free Speech Shake-Up

What’s really happening in Ireland’s housing market? Despite a flood of recent data—housing starts rising, completions falling, and mortgage approvals surging—the picture remains murky.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is turning the heat on its closest neighbours with fresh tariff threats against Canada and Mexico. @higginsdavidw and I dive into what this means and how incoming Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick’s philosophy could reshape U.S. trade policy.

Plus, a major “vibe shift” in social media: Mark Zuckerberg is scrapping Meta’s fact-checkers in favour of an X-style community notes system. What does this mean for the future of online engagement?

Links to watch and listen are below! 👇🏻

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Strong start this year with @nextround_pod going to #9 in the Apple Podcasts charts for the business category! 📈

If you haven’t heard or seen our first episode in 2025, take a look at the post below.👇🏻

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Episode 35 of @nextround_pod | New Year, Same Bubble, The Rise of Zero-Alcohol and an Unclear Opposition

As we kick off the new year, we dive into the Australian property market, exploring the potential for a bubble as prices slow after years of growth. With many young Irish choosing to move Down Under for a better life, we discuss @higginsdavidw's recent article in @IrishTimes, which warns that Australia’s economic prosperity, largely driven by mining, may be unsustainable due to falling commodity prices and China's shifting economic model. With Dry January upon us, new research from Heineken and the University of Oxford reveals that while most consumers find it acceptable to choose no- or low-alcohol drinks when out, social pressure still leads many to opt for alcohol. We explore the rise of the zero-alcohol sector—could Gen Z be driving this trend with the help of "splitting the G"? Finally, we focus on the start of a new parliamentary term in Ireland, where the opposition’s priorities, particularly around housing and social issues, are becoming clearer on the left wing. At the same time, the right wing’s stance remains less defined amid ongoing coalition negotiations. Links to watch & listen are below👇🏻

[David W. Higgins @higginsdavidw]

Happy New Year folks.

New @nextround_pod coming this weekend.

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

These look like we’re about the launch Ireland’s hottest new political party 👀🔥 @higginsdavidw

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

One of my proudest moments this year was launching a podcast! When @higginsdavidw and I met for a drink last year, we realised no one was truly talking about the issues facing our generation from a younger perspective. As the drinks kept flowing, the idea of “Next Round” was born – a young Irish take on the economy, politics and society.

Since our pilot episode in April, we’ve released 34 episodes this year, diving deep into the most pressing issues shaping Ireland, the UK and beyond. We’ve tackled everything from analysing the UK’s first Labour budget in over a decade to exploring Ireland’s housing market challenges, global economic trends and declining fertility rates. On the global stage, we’ve debated climate and technology policies along with dissected the U.S. presidential election.

A huge highlight? @nextround_pod hit #3 on the business podcast charts and has been in the top 10 multiple times! We’ve welcomed incredible guests, including leading journalists, commentators and government ministers.

Looking ahead, I’m so excited to see how we grow the amazing community we’ve built. Thank you to everyone who listened, shared, encouraged, and gave feedback. Your support means the world!

Here’s to more episodes, big ideas and exciting conversations in 2025. Swipe for some fun behind-the-scenes action shots from earlier this year! 🙏🏻♥️

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Episode 34 of @nextround_pod | 2024 Year in Review - Economy, Politics and Society

@higginsdavidw and I review the exciting year that was 2024. Ireland kept the Apple money, budget surplus, UK election, France legislative election, Hate speech bill dropped, Euro/local elections, family / care referendums, Bambi Thug, the New York portal, inflation quashed, rates lowered, wages high, Leo resignation, Harris new Taoiseach, Micheál Martin's great survival, 10pc house price growth, record homelessness, the Aer Lingus strike and passenger cap.

We look forward to covering even more in 2025. Links to watch and listen are below 👇🏻

[David W. Higgins @higginsdavidw]

2024, what a year!
And much ahead in 2025.

@nextround_pod coming later, a special year in review episode.

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

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[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Episode 33 of @nextround_pod | Irish Election Fallout, Regulating Rents, Trump’s Tariffs

With the dust settling after Ireland’s 2024 general election, @higginsdavidw and I unpack its fractured results and the intricate coalition negotiations now underway as @fiannafailparty and @FineGael navigate options against the backdrop of pressing challenges like housing, healthcare, and climate action.

We also spotlight the 20th anniversary of the Residential Tenancies Board, exploring the regulators' role in the context of soaring rents, newly designated Rent Pressure Zones and its role in Ireland’s rental market.

Lastly, we turn to President-elect @realDonaldTrump's proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, analysing historical lessons and the potential ripple effects on global trade, U.S. businesses and consumer costs. Will they damage Ireland’s prospects? Links to watch and listen are below! 👇🏻

[Dale McDermott @dalemcdermott]

Episode 32 of @nextround_pod | Irish Election Uncertainty, Baby Bonds, Modern Masculinity

With just two days until voters in Ireland head to the polls, @higginsdavidw and I dive into the shifting dynamics revealed by this week’s surprising poll results and analyse last night’s debate between the leaders of Ireland's three main parties.

We also explore Fine Gael's new proposal—the Acorn Savings Account policy—introduced in their 2024 General Election manifesto. This policy promises to give every child born in Ireland a financial head start, but critics argue that it may exacerbate existing inequalities, as families with more significant financial means are more likely to make additional contributions, leading to larger savings for their children.

Finally, we discuss a new study by Women’s Aid and Core, highlighting that 40% of Irish men still hold traditionalist views on masculinity. What does this mean for modern gender roles and the societal progress Ireland needs to make? Links to watch & listen are below 👇🏻

[David W. Higgins @higginsdavidw]

Last night's #rtept debate, election forecasts, Acorn savings, and a new survey on manhood in Ireland.

All on @nextround_pod coming later today.

@dalemcdermott

[David W. Higgins @higginsdavidw]

Having @MurphyEoghan on the podcast was very insightful.

On housing policy, I asked about his attempt to run a referendum on a right to housing.

We'd a deep discussion around mental health.

@nextround_pod is on all good podcast platforms and YouTube.