Up the Republic!: Towards a New Ireland by Fintan O'Toole

Up the Republic!: Towards a New Ireland is a book by Fintan O’Toole. It brings together essays from historians, lawyers, economists and writers.

Key details

• Author: Fintan O’Toole
• Essay collection featuring contributions from historians, lawyers, economists and writers
• Discusses Ireland’s economic collapse and its social impact
• Examines the political decisions surrounding the blanket bank guarantee
• Considers alternative economic and social policy approaches

Synopsis

This collection sets out a case for reform and renewal in Ireland in the aftermath of economic collapse, described as bringing national humiliation, renewed emigration and falling living standards for much of the population. It addresses the blanket guarantee offered to banks during the property bubble and the subsequent enforcement of its consequences by later politicians.

The essays argue that the impetus for change must come from outside established political responses. They outline how straightforward measures, alongside different economic and social policies, could help release that energy and support the potential of an educated, literate and culturally vibrant society.