The Man-i-fest, is an informed man

First)  Economically and financially,  The starting point of the two countries was extremely different: Ireland had a Sustainable and Working economy, during the past 10 years and Portugal hadn't.: More specifically: concerning the history of the past budget surplus/deficit's, debt, trade, interest rates, budget revenue in % of the GDP and % of Expenses in the GDP.   The following information can be built using data available @ the World Bank Website. Presenting Data: (to better view the graphic's info, please click on the image to enlarge it) Ireland is presented with the blue line , and Portugal with the red line. Budget surplus/deficit Budget surplus/deficit % of the GDP Government Debt Expense % of the GDP Interest Payment % of the GDP Revenue % of the GDP Central Government Debt External Balance % of the GDP GDP per capita, PPP Current account % of the GDP Resume: Throughout the last 15 years, Irela...

Usually, myths are created by the ones who want to avoid doing something, because there is too much work involved, and they will not benefit from doing it, or because if they do it right, they will be affected negatively. 1st Myth - Arguing that more money will solve problems  The 1st myth statement - "Rich Countries and specially Northern European Countries, they spend a higher percentage of their GDP to support their Central government spending, and because of that, they have higher standards of living". The Facts Countries like: Switzerland 16%, Japan 18%, Canada 19%, Korea 19%, Australia 26%, United States 25%, Germany 31% and Sweden 32%, they have captivated a smaller amount and/or medium percentages of their country's wealth, for their central government spending, and they remain at the top of all indicators, as the best in the world concerning good standards of living for their citizens The Reality Good management,  and Sustain...