Book review: resistant to reform: the problem of governance in Ireland

Ireland’s rapid shift from economic success story to recession casualty left many to rethink the country’s relationship to Europe. However, Irish Governance in Crisis argues that the downturn in the economy exposed failures in governance within the country itself which remain resistant to change. The book’s focus on these systemic problems, finds Mary Murphy, offers an important, but depressing lesson for those interested in meaningful and effective reform. Irish Governance in Crisis. Niamh Hardiman. Manchester University Press. April 2012.