Restoring credibility in policy-making in Ireland

Abstract

This article first considers the origins of the Irish economic crisis. It discusses where the policy failures occurred, to what extent they were foreseeable, and how certain key financial institutions performed in the run up to the crisis. In the light of this analysis the article then considers what institutional changes could feasibly be implemented which would strengthen policy-making for the future.

Keywords:

• Financial crisis
• fiscal policy
• institutional reform
• Ireland

Notes

* That people did not want to face up to the economic reality was evident in the discourse in the 2007 General Election, where both the government and opposition parties talked of a continuing boom.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John FitzGerald

John FitzGerald is a research professor in the Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland.