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This book empirically maps the decline in standards since the inauguration of Irish independence in 1922, to the loss of Irish economic sovereignty in 2010. It argues that the definition of corruption is an evolving one. As the nature of the state changes, so too does the type of corruption.
New evidence is presented on the early institutional development of the state. Irish public life was motivated by an ethos which rejected patronage. Original research provides fresh insights into how the policies of economic protectionalism and discretionary decision making led to eight Tribunal inquires.
The emergence of state capture within political decision making is examined by analysing political favouritism towards the beef industry. The degree to which unorthodox links between political donations impacted on policy choices which exacerbated the depth of Ireland’s economic collapse is considered.
This book will appeal to students and scholars of Irish politics, corruption theory, governance, public policy and political financing.
... scholarly and politically alert, forensic and fascinating.
Among the many angry books to poke through the debris of the crisis that still engulfs Ireland, this is the most scholarly explanation of how it happened.
Byrne has produced a perspicacious, highly readable account of the way Irish corruption morphed as the state's political, economic and social structures changed. In the wake of Ireland's loss of economic sovereignity, the book's central message - that only a vibrant, transparent political culture offers effective protection against the corrosive power of corruption - seems particuarly vital.
Byrne’s study has found a broader audience beyond academia, and this should be commended, but most of all we should praise the way in which it has helped to stimulate a broader debate on political corruption in European democracies.
1. Introduction
2. Why so little corruption? 1900s-20s
3. Setting standards: 1930s-40s
4. At a crossroads? 1950s-70s
5. Golden circles: 1980s - 90s
6. The Tribunal period: 1990s-2000s
7. Political funding and the legislative response 1980s - 2010
8. Political corruption in Ireland 1922-2010
Bibliography