Irish weather is unpredictable at best. A marginal decline was enough to bring the KBC Bank consumer sentiment index to its lowest reading in almost two years. In these circumstances, the question to ask is not why Irish consumer sentiment weakened but why it hasn’t collapsed entirely. It can materially counter current inflationary pressures and it should take bold steps against longer lasting Irish economic difficulties. A September budget that makes small but serious steps in this direction could offer weatherproof support to Irish consumer confidence.

Source: Irish Examiner August 22, 2022 04:03 UTC