“Irish Celtic Tiger” examines Ireland's rapid economic transformation, from a struggling nation to the “Celtic Tiger,” and its subsequent financial crisis. The book dissects the interplay of economic policies, political decisions, and global forces that drove this boom-and-bust cycle. A key focus is on Ireland's strategic use of tax policy to attract multinational corporations, which significantly boosted economic growth. It also explores the vulnerabilities that led to the economic downturn, such as over-reliance on foreign direct investment and the development of a speculative property bubble.
The analysis traces Ireland's economic development, examining the social partnership model and its effect on wage moderation. The book argues that while tax incentives and multinational attraction were crucial for growth, the lack of regulatory oversight and the property bubble created an unsustainable foundation.
Using quantitative data and qualitative evidence, the book progresses from the role of tax policy and multinational corporations, to the key policies underpinning the Celtic Tiger, followed by an analysis of the property bubble and the global financial crisis. This book offers a holistic approach, integrating economic, political, and social perspectives to provide a balanced assessment of the Celtic Tiger phenomenon. It highlights lessons learned, offering policy recommendations for promoting sustainable and resilient economic growth, making it valuable for economists, political scientists, and policymakers.
