Re: Ireland and Spain
The secret to real economics is that there is no such thing as a "consumer." There are only producers who trade the results of their productivity with other producers. Or what do you think poor people are going to buy cars with?
I do agree that lowering trade barriers would normally help things in the long run, but when it comes down to it, those who created the EU aren't about capitalism, free-market goals, and leaving trade alone, and sooner or later the hammer will come down.