Cosgrave brings his own circus to town

The WebSummit co-founder ruffled feathers when he set up a Facebook advertising campaign about Ireland’s tax status and teased the media. But he had a valid point about tax-free structures like QIAIFs

Paddy Cosgrave, co-founder of Web Summit and, latterly, a crusader for reform of the Irish corporate tax system Picture: Fergal Phillips

The phrase ‘there is no such thing as bad publicity’ is often attributed to the 19th century circus showman PT Barnum, who was as famous for his publicity stunts as he was for his travelling circus.

Last week, Paddy Cosgrave, co-founder of the events company Web Summit, put that maxim to the test. Cosgrave channelled Barnum as he brought his own circus to town, complete withlogic defying stunts, a disappearing man act and ...