Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism

by Sarah Wynn-Williams

Sheryl says, “I appreciate that there was substantial pressure and scrutiny this year on global tax rules and arrangements,” and thanks Kenny for his “careful” and “considered” handling of it. What she’s thanking him for is an additional five years of double Irish for Facebook and the other tech companies that Kenny had somehow wangled. We’re protected from tax until 2020. But what comes after that? I feel sorry for him. I know that’s not the right response to tax avoidance, but Ireland has severe austerity measures in place. This man needs the economic boost Facebook’s international headquarters provides. It’s hard to know what he can give that will satisfy Sheryl. He’d already promised her at Davos three years ago that even if European countries make him tax Facebook, he won’t raise the corporate tax above what it is now in Ireland: 12.5 percent. (In comparison, it’s 35 percent in the US.) Of course, 12.5 percent is a lot more than nothing, which is what Facebook is currently paying. Kenny starts explaining the pressure he’s facing. “Now, you know Ireland had no choice but to comply with what these other countries.…” Sheryl interrupts. “Did you know Facebook has over five hundred employees from fifty-four nations based in Dublin, and we’ve just leased a building with capacity for over two thousand employees?” “Have I told you about the Knowledge Development Box?” Kenny asks with a twinkle in his eye. “Sarah, stop taking notes,” Sheryl instructs, knowing Kenny’s about to ...