ABSTRACT
Ireland presents an important illustrative case of changing public administration in liberal democracies. Many of the major trends that have been seen elsewhere have affected Ireland in recent years. The Republic of Ireland, a small jurisdiction with an open economy, is particularly subject to the impact of globalisation. Since its foundation, the Republic has undergone many important changes of policy direction, especially since the late 1950s. A long period of protectionism in economic policy, parity between the Irish pound and sterling and almost total dependence on the British market have ended. Since 1973, Ireland has been an enthusiastic member of the European Union (EU) and joined the European Monetary Union in 1998. By 1985, more goods were exported to the continental EU states than to Britain. Foreign investment in manufacturing industries, especially in high technology, has been important in this transformation. Many policy changes have resulted from the new directions in economic strategy including administrative reforms, many of which are aimed at promoting a viable economy and enhancing Ireland’s status and competitiveness internationally. The impact of New Right economics has also been marked in recent years.
