why Ireland can change to such a developed country and become so powerful in economy?

Question

What are the reasons? And what are the irish people's viewpoints regarding the development of their country in the past ten year?

Answer 1

1. EU helps a lot - changed the focus from Farming to Industrial. Ireland also received huge amounts of money from the EU. Much of this was invested in infrastructure. In the early 90's you always knew when you left the Republic and entered Northern Ireland because the roads got better. Now it's the other way round. They also invested vast sums in public transport in the main cities.
2. Government introduced tax laws to encourage foreign investors to set up in Ireland
3. Education system is very good - most people go on to 3rd level
4. English speaking
5. Young, dynamic population
6. Finally got over an inferiority complex that pervaded throughout the 50's-70's. Now, they believe that they are capable of great things. It's amazing what self-belief can do
7. Reduction of tax over the late 80's and 90's meant more disposable income. Because the Irish believe in owning their own homes, they have an inherent ability to save and invest. With more disposable income, they have, to a large extent, invested wisely in property abroad.
8. There is now a culture of innovation which was not prevalent in the past. surprisingly, the introduction of 'foreign' TV helped the Irish to see the "far away hills". Once they saw them, they decided they wanted to own them. So they sent invested their disposable income in acquiring property and companies outside Ireland.

Answer 2

The main reason is that they are the only English-speaking country inside the Eurozone, so they've attracted a lot of inward investment from US companies (most notably Microsoft) who want access to th EU market, working in Euros to minimise their exchange risk, and speaking a language Americans can mostly understand.
Also they have relatively flexible job market (less unionised than much of the EU). And their government is ... how to put this without libelling anyone? ... happy to engage with business interests who take an active interest in the funding of Irish Politics.

Answer 3

I am not from Ireland, I am personally very proud of their success and recent economic prosperity. I wish we can all follow suit, and learn from the Irish experience. Way to go Ireland!, and good luck for the rest.

Answer 4

joined the EU
got shed loads of cash from the EU
changed its tax structure to encourage business to set up in Ireland, especailly those wanting to sell on into Ireland
encouraged business to set up and expand
jas a relatively young population, desparate for employment and would take jobs to stop the continued flight of citizens abroad
ceased to be so dominated by the Catholic Church (its still there but no where near as powerfull as it used to be)

Answer 5

Joined the EU.

Its a good thing, more jobs, more infarstructure; more choices for everyone.