CNBC Host Surprised to Learn Ireland Not in UK, Does Not Use the Pound

On CNBC’s “Squawk Box” Monday, Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland was asked about the Irish economy. He was clearly surprised to learn host Joe Kernen was not at all clear about Ireland’s status as an independent nation, or its use of the Euro, rather than the pound.

As The Guardian described it:

Shanahan repeatedly clarified that Ireland uses the euro, while the UK – which he had to explain was a separate country from Ireland – uses the pound sterling. It resulted in the following exchange:

CNBC: What? Why would you do that?

Shanahan: Why wouldn’t we do that.