It’s not at all like Saudi Arabia. Having those technical and finance jobs in Ireland builds up a reservoirs of skilled labour in those areas that attracts companies. I saw this first hand at at a previous employer. We would preferentially move technology roles to Ireland - speak excellent English, in the EU, cheap office space and plenty of technically capable workers. Without the latter, nurtured by businesses chasing tax advantages, it would have been significantly less attractive. To be honest I think that would be happening to an extent anyway, but certainly many of the tax break business is contributing to establishing economic depth in Ireland in a way extractive industries don’t.

I get the sentiment regarding Saudi-Arabia, but the not what you actually mean by it being a game of Sims. Care to elaborate?