[hinckley buzzard]

I think Ireland could have gained its footing without the EU to hold its hand. They reformed their own business environment and private investment has soared there. Plus. they are (more or less) part of the Anglosphere, so they have a lot in their favor right from the start.

[Schweinhund]

True. But the infrastructural build up would probably have taken more time. The Czech Republic is another prime candidate in my eyes - they will probably put the EU money to good use.

With the tax rates...the problem Ireland is now facing is that they indeed became so successful, so rich compared to European standard, that they are now expected to pay into the very pot they got their help from.