We have a very special first episode as Prof. John FitzGerald joins to discuss Ireland's economic history. John has been involved in Irish economics in one shape or another since he joined the department of Finance in 1972. John takes us through Ireland's divorce bill - when Ireland's national debt burden became intertwined with how the Northern Ireland border was to be drawn. We discuss the implications of poor economic performance up to the late 50s and the role T.K. Whitaker had in turning this around in the 60s and beyond. John gives us insight into the leadership qualities of Whitaker and what it was like working in Irish economics in the 70s and 80s.

If you would like to learn more, there are links to John's papers on Ireland's divorce bill and John's macroeconomic modelling work available on the website http://www.IrishEconPod.com

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John FitzGerald is adjunct professor in Economics at TCD and a former research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute.

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