The clip below illustrates how difficult it was in 2000, to challenge conventional wisdom, self-interest and the likes of Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern, a former hospital bookkeeper, sailing against the wind that the free lunch hadn't been invented in Ireland.
Irish Economy: The 2001 economic consensus that paved the road to economic ruin
Irish Economy: Ahern, Harney, McCreevy, Cowen and the other individuals/ group swith responsibility for the economic crash