I am doing two events in Belfast on Friday. Ths first is:

‘Lowering Corporation Tax in Northern Ireland: A Smart Move or Dangerous Risk?'

Friday 11^th September, 1pm-4pm

David Bates Building, Room 01/006

Queens University Belfast

Most political parties from Sinn Fein to the TUV, business lobby groups and mainstream economists in Northern Ireland all agree on the desirability of lowering corporation tax in Northern Ireland. The power to lower corporation tax is also a key element in the stalled political negotiations around the implementation of welfare reform in NI and the Stormont House Agreement. Arguments for lowering corporation tax include enhancing the regional economy's competitiveness vis-à-vis the Republic of Ireland in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and thus creating jobs and wealth. For example, DUP Enterprise Minister has publicly stated that lowering corporation tax “will raise the productivity level by at least 6% and that means people will have an extra £3,000 in their pay packet per year”.

Yet others, from Trades Unions such as NIPSA to other parties such as the Green Party (or even former DUP Finance minister Sammy Wilson), view it as a potential disaster for Northern Ireland. Critics argue that no new employment will be created, and “costs will sky rocket because of the admin this will impose on business in Northern Ireland and the people of Northern Ireland will suffer major cuts in pubic services because the block grant from the UK will have to be cut by as much as this tax cut will cost — imposing a double whammy on the region” (Richard Murphy). 

This workshop will have a keynote address from Richard Murphy from Tax Research UK, a prominent and well-known economic commentator and critic of lowering corporation tax in Northern Ireland. Richard is also an economic advisor to Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn, and is credited with developing ‘Corbynomics' a central element of which is the proposal for ‘quantitative easing' for the people.

Richard's talk will be followed by a panel discussion and there will be plenty of opportunity for questions and audience discussion.

This is a free event and open to all.

To confirm a place please email John Barry — j.barry@qub.ac.uk

And then in the evening there is this: 

There is also some media opportunity in Dublin tomorrow afternoon with me for those interested from the Irish press - get in touch.