Quality of Living Index
March 10, 2005
At last! I found the report that puts us Dubliners up in number 1 position for quality of life. I've been quoting this report left right and centre but haven't had a chance to properly peruse the results - until now.
Found this on the IDA site today: Ireland best in the world for quality-of-life, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for its The World in 2005 index report. Ireland comfortably tops the league out of 111 countries. Ireland wins because it successfully combines desirable elements such as having the fourth highest GDP per head in the world in 2005, low unemployment, political liberties, stable family and high community standards.
My take on that is that Dublin is the best place to live because it is still the most friendly city around. The 'all back to mine' culture is alive and kicking, and sure you only have to take a taxi to get a taste of the genuine nature of the true Dub. As well as that, you don't have to put in the long hours that are expected in most world class cities. 14 hour days are a rarity for most. In cities like London and New York, they're a given if you want to move up the corporate ladder.
That said, the serious attitude to fun can be a bit tiresome sometimes. Like next week - Wed is out for getting stuff done as most people will be having long lunches. Thursday is St Patricks Day, national day of celebrating the removal of snakes from our island. And Friday is the Day After. Most people will take that day off, or will be taking it easy in the workplace. So it's a 2 day week when the workload should be dictating a 12 day one.