It is now confirmed that George Lee (the RTE economics editor) will stand for Fine Gael in the Dublin South by-election. I am interested in the readership’s views on the extent to which skills in (a) economics; and (b) broadcast journalism may be helpful in parliamentary politics and/or the shaping of economic policies.
This year’s Barrington Prize Lecture on “Well-Being under conditions of abundance: Ireland from 1990 to 2007” will be given by Liam Delaney on May 13th as part of the AGM of SSISI. The meeting starts at 6pm and will be held at the Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 .
Abstract:
This paper examines the health and well-being of the Irish population in the late 20th century, the period popularly referred to as the Celtic Tiger. This period saw unprecedented increases in economic activity in Ireland. Using statistical data from administrative and survey sources, I examine whether this period of growth improved well-being and welfare in Ireland. The paper draws from theories of the development of societies such as those of Fogel and Easterlin, as well as theories from behavioural economics and econometric techniques to examine this question. In particular, I examine the extent to which Ireland fits into a pattern of declining correlation between GDP and well-being at later stages of development, a phenomenon known as the Easterlin Paradox. I also examine the extent to which individual well-being is predicted by income as compared to other aspects of welfare such as health and employment status. The results are discussed in the context of long-term demographic and health trends in Ireland.
I look forward to seeing you there. Of course, non-members are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion of the paper.
The AGM and Barrington Lecture of The Statistical & Social Inquiry Society of Ireland will take place on Wednesday, 13th May 2009, starting at 6:00 pm. The order of the meeting will be:
Annual General Meeting:
I. Minutes of the 2008 AGM
II. Report & Accounts
III. Election of Council Members & Officers of the Society
IV. The Barrington Lecture
Bloomberg has a more detailed account of Chile’s relative success in preparing for the downturn: you can read it here.
Chairman, CEO and group finance director are to step down: see report here.
This London event may interest some readers.
This open summit is an opportunity to engage in a public discussion about the economic crisis with leading economists, business people and policy makers. It will be an opportunity to have a serious discussion about the current economic crisis, with the emphasis on public debate rather than wishful thinking. This summit aims to start a conversation that will move us beyond political soundbites or fantasies of imminent economic recovery and help us get to grips with the political and economic battles ahead.
A range of discussions – from ‘Demystifying the crisis’ to ‘Investing in the future: what could be the new engine of growth for the UK?’ – will seek to open up debate about the economy and about what sort of society we want. Speakers willing to put their arguments about the economic crisis to a public audience, and to face questions and comments from that audience, include: Professor Richard Portes, London Business School; Professor Deepak Lal, UCLA; Professor Erik Reinert, author, How Rich Countries Got Rich … and Why Poor Countries Stay Poor; John Hilary, War on Want; Warwick Lightfoot, former special advisor to Chancellors Nigel Lawson, John Major and Norman Lamont; Claire Fox, director, Institute of Ideas; Professor Emre Ozdenoren, London Business School; Dr Eliot Forster, Solace Pharmaceuticals; Professor Frank Furedi, University of Kent; Parminder Bahra, The Times; Dr Tim Young, University of York; Leigh Caldwell, Inon; Jeremy Sice, SAS Design; Vivien Regan, WORLDwrite; Bruno Waterfield, Daily Telegraph; John Stevens, campaigner for Britain to join the Euro; and Paul Mason, author, Financial Meltdown and the End of the Age of Greed.
For a full list of speakers and sessions see here.