The model pupil who faked the test: Social policy in the Irish crisis

Abstract

The Irish government has been held up as a model pupil of the IMF and the EU Commission because of its adoption of an intensified neoliberal response to the crisis. It has developed a policy consensus in support of wage cuts and severe austerity in order to prop up its banking system. However, the economic expertise that it relies on displays a considerable class bias. Under the guise of a neutral, technical language, the interests of a wealthy elite are being protected. Levels of social deprivation and inequality have, as a result, risen considerably. Yet despite its apparent success, there is considerable evidence that an investment strike is under way and there is no sign of a sustained recovery.