Ireland’s Bitcoin has been jogging quietly and slowly at the grassroots for years – encountered in bars and parties, debated in telegraph groups, occasionally scattered on top stories with predictable suspicion. But recently, the temperature has begun to rise. With the Bitcoin Network Ireland (BNI) (BNI)’s “Anos Punt: Ace the Erand for Ireland’s Interest in Bitcoin” and seeing the Bitcoin Irish Conference and the Ard Fheis of Aontú one weekend, it was clearly established on Emerald Island.
Sound Flatboat: Paper for Irish Citizens
The new paper, released by the Irish Bitcoin Network today, is a concise, accessible document designed to cut noise and present the merits of Bitcoin to the public and politicians. Its purpose is simple: to provide a rational, insane entry point for why Bitcoin is important, especially in an era of depreciation of the euro and rising cost of living.
The name itself is a clever pun – while it is a tribute to the “voice currency” and Ireland’s former currency “Pullboat,” it also playfully suggests that while most people think it’s related to risk, it may be worthy of a reassessment. It shows that it’s more than just technology: it’s about monetary sovereignty and re-verify what is making money in the first place.
The goal BNI is trying to achieve is to bridge important gaps in understanding and help citizens seeking change and government officials seeking solutions recognize that such reasonable, stateless money has value to everyone. As Parker Lewis famously points out: “Like all successful payments, Bitcoin is the enemy’s money” – a neutral system that serves all participants regardless of their political stance.
The long and complex relationship between Ireland and money
To appreciate the importance of this moment, it is worth noting that Ireland’s relationship with money has always been different from that of European neighbors. The Romans imposed coins on Britain in the millennium adopted by Ireland. The local Irish boycotted the state’s issuance of funds, relying on bars and gold bars until the second millennium.
In ancient Ireland, the absence of coinage proved a stateless, highly fragmented society that contained a multi-center legal system between clans. The ideal of this society is that no one in society has rule over others, and even if the king abuses power, it can be dealt with.
Therefore, Ireland was the last European society to adopt coinage, because coin gave power to rulers, perhaps not by chance. Eventually, it was forced by the British royal family in 1601, a period of increasing control of Ireland with the final stages of the Nine Years’ War (1594-1603) and Britain’s control over Ireland. Until today, Ireland has never owned its own free floating currency. It has been bound to external forces: first the pound, then the European monetary system, and now the euro under the ECB. Therefore, it is no accident that the EU’s power and influence in Ireland has become increasingly unabashed in recent years.
“Give me control of a country’s currency, I don’t care who makes the law.” – Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1743–1812)
Perhaps, given this historical context, Ireland is unique and understandable in the value of voice, stateless money. Bitcoin represents a return to the independence of the previous currency issued by the state, but has the technological advantages of the digital age. When the ancient Kingdom of Ireland used market goods that were not manipulated by distant authorities, Bitcoin provided a modern equivalent: neither domestic nor foreign, nor derogated or controlled any power.
Currently, this historical doubt about central control of currencies is being resurfaced as the Irish state and its citizens face a new wave of economic uncertainty through European devaluation and tariffs. Geopolitical and economic tensions rarely feel stable. Tariff disputes, issues of renewal of Ireland’s FDI model and potential technical and pharmaceutical layoffs will surely strengthen the focus on sovereignty and resilience. The release of the “Sound Flatboat” was timely, inviting the country to question again the wisdom that tied its destiny to the distant monetary authorities.
Political Crossroads
Dr. niall Burke (a respected academic and BNI member) will file two motions at Aontú Ard Fheis (Party Meeting). Aontú, the biggest party in the last election to surge in votes, has shown acceptance of Bitcoin and opened the door to conversations until recently downgraded to profit margins. At large gatherings, Bitcoin actions being proposed and accepted are signs of changes in dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Ireland Conference is gathering the country’s growing community of Prebus, builders and advocates. These circles were once on the periphery and are now opening doors in the political world.
Public dissatisfaction and appeals to financial autonomy
It’s not just Bitcoin that’s looking for alternatives. Ireland is witnessing its largest public demonstration since the post-2012 GFC. The recent parade has attracted more than 100,000 people to the streets of Dublin. These protests reflect deep frustration and believe that political institutions are no longer aligned with their people.
What is particularly surprising is how Bitcoin becomes a common ground for seemingly opposite interests. For protesters, Bitcoin provides protection against inflation and defends against excessive government abuse. For governments focusing on economic stability and growth, Bitcoin may be the solution it needs, especially protecting pension funds and even the state’s own investment fund (ISIF) from inflation that rate over the next few decades. This is the voice, the paradox and hope of stateless money. It serves the interests of everyone because it enforces property rights and cannot be captured or controlled by any faction.
Last but not least, MMA star Conor McGregor’s dabbles in politics and Bitcoin is something very few people would predict, but for those who are tired of the ground, it’s a developing story. His proposal for the National Bitcoin Reserve symbolizes a wider national transformation: Bitcoin has finally entered the spirit of the times, and maybe he is keeping it there like BNI.
Bitcoin is an open source currency protocol that adopts from all aspects, regardless of politics. Bitcoin is neutral and it does not support partisan reasons. Perhaps not enough acknowledgeable is how empowered Bitcoin is, we should focus on the ability to unite rather than divide, to make every Irish citizen (without their political views) free individually, inflation protection, and practical solutions to businesses.
Back to the “Tone” paper
The paper itself provides a compelling case for Ireland’s interest in Bitcoin:
- Reasonable money principle: It evaluates Bitcoin based on six characteristics of “good money” – driveability, splitability, unity, portability, verifiability, and scarcity.
- Store of value: The document highlights the fixed supply of Bitcoin to prevent inflation and currency depreciation.
- Practical examples: It provides evidence of Bitcoin monetization, comparing the cost of buying a home in the euro with Bitcoin over a decade.
- Refutation of universal concern: This article addresses the most common objections to Bitcoin – energy use, volatility, criminal activity, disruption of traditional currencies and speculation – to provide everyone with a balanced rebuttal.
- Action steps: This article not only outlines specific actions considered by individuals, businesses and governments from education to strategic Bitcoin reserves.
The beginning of the process
No one expects the Irish government to announce a bitcoin treasury next week, and whether that should be established is controversial. But “one pitch” marks the beginning of a process that may help reshape Ireland’s money and economic sovereignty in time.
This accessible starter is just the first step toward a wider educational mission for the Irish Bitcoin network. BNI plans to release a more comprehensive policy document for policy makers in the coming months, which is currently undergoing an editing phase. While “tone” introduces the concept to the public, the upcoming document will provide detailed analysis and policy advice that policy makers need.
As BNI improves this conversation through public education and policy analysis, the goal remains clear: to help all citizens understand the universal value proposition of Bitcoin. In an increasing period, Bitcoin (both on the individual and institutional level) is moderately strategically allocated to prevent uncertainty and hope.
Download Sound Puffer from the Bitcoin Network website: Ireland’s interest in Bitcoin.
