Author: Philip Lane

Academic Speculation

Patrick Honohan has now officially taken over as Governor of the Central Bank. The Sunday Business Post had this snippet yesterday:

* Much speculation about who will fill the chair of international financial economics and development at Trinity College, Dublin, shortly to be vacated by Professor Patrick Honohan when he takes up his appointment at the Central Bank.

Particularly, one wonders will the selection board be watching irisheconomy.ie, the excellent forum for economic debate and general nerdy competition. Are any of the likely competitors for the prestigious Trinity gig – which is, according to those familiar with such arcana, a ‘‘proper professorship’’ posting their thoughts and learned analysis on the site? Should they steer clear and concentrate on more serious work? Should they promote their media profile? Have they been too strident in their criticisms of the government?

[at the end of this compendium article]

While I have not encountered this speculation myself,   it may be worthwhile to point out that Irish universities operate under an extensive recruitment embargo,  such that no immediate vacancy has been created by Patrick’s departure!

Fiscal Adjustment: Spanish Style

The FT outlines some of the elements of the new fiscal austerity budget in Spain – especially noteworthy is the hike in VAT rates. Although the Spanish fiscal deficit is not as large as ours, the unwinding of unsustainable boom-period tax cuts and spending increases is qualitatively similar.

Ireland in 2050

This new book by Stephen Kinsella of UL should be a good read.

This Time It’s Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly by Reinhart and Rogoff

This book is extraordinarily well timed and looks at many dimensions of the onset and aftermath of financial crises: you can  find out more here.

Ireland’s Power in Europe: Guest Post by Macartan Humphreys on the Lisbon Treaty

We are pleased to carry this very insightful article by Macartan Humphreys of Columbia University (and a graduate of TCD!): you can download this article here.