How best to run an economy and a country, bottom up or top down? A trip to Switzerland got me thinking should we invert power, making the local more consequential than the nation, should we devolve government, introduce fiscal federalism and instead of our "spectator democracy" should we opt for "direct democracy" . Unlike Ireland, where accountability seems elusive, Switzerland's governance is marked by subsidiarity and active democracy. With their frequent referenda, the Swiss distribute responsibility locally, fostering an engaged political system. The influence of Calvinism further shaped Switzerland, cultivating a deeply democratic and pragmatic society. Is it time for us to embrace for 'Protestant Pragmatism', where power is delegated to the people? Could this also be a framework for future Irish reunification? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.