I was being ironic.  I joked privately with Professor Black that the Irish had a long tradition of sending aid workers to the third world espousing progressive economics, intermediate technology, small is beautiful type community development projects whilst Ireland did exactly the opposite at home.  Listening to US economists espousing policies for Ireland totally at odds with the US mainstream had a similar feel to it in reverse.

More seriously, I do think it important the Ireland builds alliances with progressive German economists if we can find any and was disappointed none had been found/invited.

Index of Frank's Diaries