Politics and markets in the Irish “Celtic Tiger” experience : choice, chance, or coincidence?

Ireland's rate of growth and employment creation during the 1990s far outstripped performance in the rest of the OECD. To what degree is this attributable to chance fluctuations in the international economy, the coincidental alignment of Irish politics and institutions with international economic conditions, or deliberate policy choice? Two policy areas are chosen for particular attention, industrial development strategy, and social partnership arrangements. A case is made for the importance of politics, above and beyond market conditions and institutional appropriateness. The viability of the “Celtic Tiger” model is considered, and its relevance for the EU accession states of Central Europe and the Baltic states is assessed.