The Celtic Tiger-a series of myths?

It's not very often a lecture strikes a chord with you, questions the norm and sets you thinking. Today's Issues in Contemporary Irish Society did just that.

We were introduced to the 'official line' on the Celtic Tiger/Tigress, whichever you believe. Here, the Irish Government gave themselves plaudits for the largest period of economic growth we have ever known. The 'astute policy decisions' and the success of their fiscal policy endured them to the love of the nation. The rising tide lifted all boats. But, when the storm hit all those boats sank and the lifeguards were nowhere to be seen.

Others said the Celtic Tiger's success was down to the success of social partnerships. To me, social partnerships are a group of people with vested interests bickering at a square table. A far cry from King Arthur and the Knights Round Table.

3 myths were uncovered:
Myth 1: The Celtic Tiger economy was planned, sustainable development. Despite the discourse presented in the public domain by media professionals (that’s us), the reality is that this was an imported wealth boom. Multi-national companies set up shop here because of our low corporation tax rates. Most of the jobs created were actually low-paid service jobs.

Myth 2: Economic growth means social growth. The money didn't filter down to everyone. A growing disparity between rich and poor occurred as a result. Media circles would have you believe that we partied too hard for too long. They stress that we all have to live with the consequences. Sorry to burst their bubble, but not everyone was invited to the party and not everyone drank. Take the regeneration areas as a case in point. We had a chance to close the gap on social inequality, but instead we widened it.

Myth 3: Prosperity means a better Ireland. It's ironic that the so-called experts just don't have a clue. The Economist, for example, held Ireland as a beacon of hope. We were "Europe's shinning light" they said. Instead of creating a unified Ireland, a cohesive Ireland, a divided Ireland was established. The neo-liberal political agenda stressed the importance of the individual, at the expense of society.

Now, we are finding ourselves at the forefront of the struggle. The battle of the sectors is being used to gloss over and glaze the mistakes of these 'experts'-economists, bankers and politicians. There is an ideological battle going on, except this time we are all invited, while those who abused their position of authority get off scot free.

I’m just curious to hear from those of you who didn’t have it all rosy in the garden during the boom years and what your thoughts are. For anyone who wants to learn more-see contributions by Peadar Kirby and Kieran Allen (not related to Dee). Another question that needs asking is why nobody, including journalists questioned the weak foundations of the boom, the construction industry and banks over indulging in lending and mortgages. Sociologists were crying out for years to be heard, but no-one listened, until the S*** hit the fan.
George Lee produced a documentary on RTÉ television about the demise of the Celtic Tiger economy titled: How We Blew the Boom. Perhaps he uncovered the truth about Irish politics; it remains to be seen. The tiger itself was very real; we just put it to sleep.
D.K