I am writing this as I am about to leave Kilkenny in Ireland, having done five gigs on Friday and Saturday at the Kilkenomics festival of, yes, economics.
This is the first time I have been, and if I am asked, I will be here again. It's extraordinary to find so many economists, and more importantly so many audiences, keen to discuss economic issues all in one place.
My only regret was that such was the intensity of my own schedule there was almost no chance to get in to see other people's events, so I missed many good people unless they happened to be sharing platforms with me.
The obvious thought that follows is, of course, why this happens here but not in the UK? Could such a festival work anywhere but Ireland? I am not in any way volunteering to organise such an event. It would be great if someone felt so inclined.
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It happens because Ireland was bankrupted to bail out zombie banks, after a housing bubble that benefitted a tiny minority burst, and we’re still mad as hell at having discovered we live in a neo-feudal society.
Accepted: entirely true
But maybe not mad enough yet after the emigration/austerity and the Anglo Irish fiasco that wrecked many credit-unions and whose boss went to the Government with (as he put it) a bail out figure ‘plucked from me arse.’
What the Irish have been through is unbelievable and the austerity is still being plied!
Totnes had one last April, themed around young people, and the punting desert that is Bristol has one next weekend. The fashionably dressed Vince Cable is one of the headliners.
I suspect you weren’t invited as they can’t afford you!
There remains the question of which of the economics festivals is best. If it’s measured on warmth, drink and jokes about bankers, then Kilkenny probably wins.
You think I charge?
All those private sector sponsors and members of the public paying 12-20 euros a show must have paid for a respectable expenses package.
There was even someone promoting a health and design focussed xxx shop. What a great place.
I’m trying to sell a slogan to Fáilte Ireland: “every english speaker’s second favourite country”.
Sure I got expenses covered
Ever tried living off expenses alone?
One of my maternal grand dad’s family had a hotel in Kilkenny which was well patronised during the Races. I fear the economics of horse racing is embedded in many modern economic theories on getting and spending. One rule to follow is never back the favourite.
I am a dark outsider