Comments on: Small but meaningful PDs will have to fight for survival http://www.davidmcwilliams.ie/2006/06/25/small-but-meaningful-pds-will-have-to-fight-for-survival?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=small-but-meaningful-pds-will-have-to-fight-for-survival The website of economist, author and broadcaster, David McWilliams Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:42:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2 By: Dónall Garvin http://www.davidmcwilliams.ie/2006/06/25/small-but-meaningful-pds-will-have-to-fight-for-survival/comment-page-1#comment-3837 Dónall Garvin Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0000 http://31426049#comment-3837 While Peter Robinson may be quoting that "The World is Flat" thinking that in a globalised world every country/region is capable of becoming world beaters. It is true that the economies of scale have shrunk in the information age; it is more accurate to say that "The World is Spiky" (http://www.creativeclass.org/acrobat/TheWorldIsSpiky.pdf) The PD's were visionary in that they recognised what was needed in Ireland and sucessfully influenced decision- making in the South. Whether they can still play an active role, punching above their weight has to be seen, particularly if they are in opposition. The DUP has played no constructive part in Northern Ireland (either politically or economically), and it will be interesting to see just what they can do in power should they choose it. Peter Robinson may talk of big ideas and plans for the North, but don't hold your breath. While Peter Robinson may be quoting that “The World is
Flat” thinking that in a globalised world every
country/region is capable of becoming world beaters.
It is true that the economies of scale have shrunk in the
information age; it is more accurate to say that “The World
is Spiky”
(http://www.creativeclass.org/acrobat/TheWorldIsSpiky.pdf)

The PD’s were visionary in that they recognised what was
needed in Ireland and sucessfully influenced decision-
making in the South. Whether they can still play an active
role, punching above their weight has to be seen,
particularly if they are in opposition.
The DUP has played no constructive part in Northern Ireland
(either politically or economically), and it will be
interesting to see just what they can do in power should
they choose it. Peter Robinson may talk of big ideas and
plans for the North, but don’t hold your breath.

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