ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the possible impact of a mega free trade agreement (in this analysis the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)) on one European country: the Republic of Ireland. The positive impact for Ireland seems logical: after all, since the 1960s, the Irish economic development model has been based on exports and FDI, especially from the United States, so freer trade with the USA should logically benefit Ireland. After about 50 years of development of FDI in Ireland, the main political parties of the Republic of Ireland seem to be welcoming TTIP, even though many small political parties and NGOs are campaigning against the signing of such a mega free trade deal. The two main Irish political parties support TTIP too, in line with their long-time engagement for free trade and FDI, with some caveats, especially on food safety standards.
