From Conflict to Co-ordination: Economic Governance and Political Innovation in Ireland

Abstract

Abstract This article examines the transition in Ireland over the last 15 years from a relatively unco-ordinated approach to pay determination to a co-ordinated approach linking pay policy into the broader context of national economic governance. The new political model of 'social partnership' was central to the remarkable experience of growth, employment expansion, and rising living standards in Ireland during the 1990s. This very success brought new challenges to the strategy of politically mediated pay pacts. The prospects for the sustainability of these new networks of economic governance are examined. Keywords: Economic governancepolitical innovationIrelandsocial partnershippay pacts