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They say Irelands the Best Ireland is the best place in the world to live in for 2005, according to a life quality ranking that appeared in Britains Economist magazine last week. The ambitious attempt to compare happiness levels around the world is based on the principle that wealth is not the only measure of human satisfaction and well-being. The index of 111 countries uses data on incomes, health, unemployment, climate, political stability, job security, gender equality as well as what the magazine calls freedom, family and community life. Despite the bad weather, troubled health service, traffic congestion , gender inequality, and the high cost of living, Ireland scored an impressive 8.33 points out of 10. That put it well ahead of second-place Switzerland, which managed 8.07. Zimbabwe, troubled by political insecurity and hunger, is rated the gloomiest , picking up only 3. 89 points. Although rising incomes and increased individual choices are highly valued,the report said, some of the factors associated with modernization such as the breakdown in traditional institutions and family values in part take away from a positive impact. Ireland wins because it successfully combines the most desirable elements of the new with the preservation of certain warm elements of the old, such as stable family and community life. | 
