Paisley and McGuinness
In 2007, Northern Ireland’s devolved government returned, with DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness jointly heading an Executive, turning power-sharing into practical administration. In the Republic, Bertie Ahern won a third election and formed a coalition with the Greens and Progressive Democrats amid Celtic Tiger prosperity. However, cooling house prices and reliance on construction exposed economic vulnerability. Census results highlighted immigration, changing households and religious diversity, while Irish gained EU official-language status. Corrib gas protests, scrutiny of Ahern’s finances and criminal-justice legislation raised questions of trust and authority. Cultural initiatives and smoke-free rules reflected wider social change.
View Record
Dublin’s Guarantee Night
In 2008 Ireland moved from Celtic Tiger confidence to recession and banking crisis. Bertie Ahern resigned, succeeded by Brian Cowen, while Brian Lenihan became Finance Minister. Voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty, delaying European ratification, yet Dublin successfully concluded the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Northern Ireland's devolved institutions endured Paisley’s replacement by Peter Robinson, though policing and justice remained unresolved. Construction collapse, unemployment and falling revenues exposed economic fragility, prompting an austerity-focused budget. On 29–30 September, government guaranteed liabilities of six Irish banks, tying public finances to their losses. New trafficking, welfare and transport laws nevertheless reflected institutional activity amid uncertainty.
View Record
Anglo, Lisbon and Ryan
In 2009, Ireland’s property-led collapse prompted State intervention, including Anglo Irish Bank’s nationalisation, pension deductions and NAMA legislation. Employment and construction fell sharply, while unemployment and household insecurity increased. Voters approved Lisbon Treaty after EU guarantees addressed earlier concerns. Dissident republican killings tested Northern Ireland’s peace settlement, though leaders condemned them. Ryan and Murphy reports exposed institutional and clerical abuse, accelerating demands for accountability and reform. Civil partnership legislation was introduced but not enacted. H1N1 influenza and severe flooding compounded hardship, whereas Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam provided national celebration. The year reshaped relations between State, society, Church and Europe.
View Record
Saville, Civil Partnership, Bailout
Ireland faced financial collapse as bank rescues, NAMA loan transfers, austerity and unemployment eroded confidence. In November, the Government sought an €85 billion EU–IMF assistance programme, followed by Budget 2011 cuts and taxes. Emigration rose sharply amid household insecurity. Civil partnership legislation recognised same-sex couples, while clerical-abuse revelations sustained scrutiny of Church authority. In Northern Ireland, policing and justice powers devolved, and the Saville report found Bloody Sunday killings unjustified, prompting Britain’s apology. Improving Anglo-Irish relations included plans for a royal visit. Tipperary and Cork won All-Ireland titles, while severe December cold disrupted life nationwide and severely strained public services.
View Record