Beyond policy-making: institutional regimes, the state and policy implementation in the Irish case

Abstract

This article applies developmental state analysis to the Irish tourism industry between 1987 and 2007 and argues that the state generates growth by constructing institutions around the development project. Combining in-depth interviews of key players with extensive documentary analysis, the case study found that the relationship between state institutions and private sector coalitions was central to the development of the industry. These relationships were explained through the concept of interlocking regimes whereby regimes are constituted through the dimensions of power arrangements, policy paradigms, organisations and policy. The implementation of a development model is shaped by the extent to which a coalition and a state regime interlock to impose that model. This occurs when regimes interact strategically through some or all of the dimensions of both regimes. In the Irish case, the research found that new organisational alliances within the private sector disturbed the power arrangements underpinning the status quo. A new interlock between the state and the business class led to regime change and the display of authority by political leaders played a significant role in establishing a new regime with a new policy paradigm and goals for the sector, which facilitated the phenomenal growth of the sector.

Keywords:

• development state
• politics and tourism
• policy implementation
• interlocking regimes
• institutions
• policy-making

Notes

The Irish IHF is the national organisation of the hotel and guesthouse industry.

ITIC is a representative body for the industry and focuses on the economic development of tourism.

An Taoiseach is the Irish prime minister.

Fine Gael describes itself as a political party of the ‘progressive centre’. Progressive Democrats were a free market liberal party, dissolved in 2009. Labour Party is a democratic socialist and social democratic party. Fianna Fail has been the dominant party in Ireland since the 1930s. Aer Lingus is the national airline.

Tourism Ireland coordinates with Fáilte Ireland in the Republic and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on product development and marketing.

Tourism Brand Ireland is a destination branding strategy managed by Tourism Ireland.