Political culture, political independence and economic success in Ireland¹

Earlier versions of this paper were read by Geoff Roberts and Rona Fitzgerald. I would also like to thank Andy Bielenberg and Steve McCarthy for discussing specific aspects of it with me. I alone am responsible for content and interpretation.

Abstract

It is frequently claimed that political independence will have a positive impact on economic performance. Using the Irish example this article argues that there is no causal relationship between political independence and economic success. Although Ireland was well placed after 1922 to achieve economic success, the outcome until the 1970s was unimpressive. It is argued that in the Irish case the nature of the political culture inhibited the society's willingness to take the risks required for sustained economic development It has only been since the 1970s, with the modernisation of the society and with the weakening of the traditional political culture, that the opportunity for self‐sustained economic expansion has been available.

Notes

Earlier versions of this paper were read by Geoff Roberts and Rona Fitzgerald. I would also like to thank Andy Bielenberg and Steve McCarthy for discussing specific aspects of it with me. I alone am responsible for content and interpretation.