Ireland appears to be in the process of a remarkable social change, a process which has dramatically reversed a hitherto seemingly unstoppable economic decline. This exciting new book systematically scrutinises the interpretations and prescriptions that inform the 'Celtic Tiger'. Takes the standpoint that a more critical approach to the course of development being followed by the Republic is urgently required. Sets out to expose the fallacies that drive the fashionable rhetoric of Tigerhood. An esteemed list of contributors deal with issues such as immigration, the role of women, globalisation, and changing economic and social conditions.

1. The end of Irish History? An introduction to the book - Colin Coulter2. Macroeconomic policy in the Celtic Tiger: A critical reassessment - Denis O'Hearn3. Neither Boston nor Brussels: Class polarisation and neo-liberalism in the Irish Republic - Kieran Allen4. Welcome to the Celtic Tiger: Racism, immigration and the State - Steve Loyal5. Irish women and the Celtic Tiger - Sinead Kennedy6. Globalised Ireland?:Or, contemporary transformations of national identity - G. Honor Fagan7. Millinarianism and utopianism in the New Ireland: The tragedy (and comedy) of accelerated modernisation - Kieran Keohane & Carmen Kuhling8. Fear and loathing in Lost Ages: Journeys through postmodern Dublin - David Slattery9. Contemporary discourses of working, earning and spending: acceptance, critique and the bigger picture - Anne B. Ryan10. The centralized Government of liquidity: Community, language and culture under the Celtic Tiger - Steve Coleman11. Northern Ireland: A reminder from the present - Pete Shirlow