The Pope's Children: The Irish Economic Triumph and the Rise of Ireland's New Elite - Hardcover

Named for the ironic coincidence of the Irish baby boom of the 1970s, which peaked nine months to the day after Pope John Paul II's historic visit to Dublin, the Pope's Children are overflowing with money, ambition and optimism—but they are also the most hedonistic, status-conscious and decadent Irish generation ever. They have abandoned the Old Irish Dream of Catholicism, nationalism and limited expectations in exchange for the New Irish Dream of instant gratification, material possessions and endless possibility.

A noted Irish economist, broadcaster and bestselling author, David McWilliams cleverly dissects and describes contemporary Ireland. He tells how "Wonderbra Economics" is raising living standards and pushing the social classes closer together. He describes how prosperity has given rise to two distinct social classes: the Decklanders, so named because of their obsession with backyard decks and rank materialism; and the HiCos, who are trying to fuse their Irish heritage with their newfound cosmopolitan values—sometimes with hilarious results.

A brilliant writer, McWilliams blends words into new and unexpected forms. You'll learn about "the Expectocracy," "Property Porn," the "Carrot Juice Contrarians," "RoboPaddy" and "Speed Bump Moms." Vividly and powerfully, McWilliams brings contemporary Ireland to life.

Witty, intelligent and irreverent, The Pope's Children tells the real story of Ireland's amazing economic and social transformation and the special generation that is changing the country forever.

"A brilliant guide for the layman . . . a deft dissection of social mores. It is all great fun and, you'll probably recognize yourself somewhere in there."
—Irish Independent

"A great read . . . David McWilliams is Ireland's most talked about young economist, often credited with coining the phrase Celtic Tiger. The Pope's Children not only explains how our economic boom got going, but how it changed people's lives here, not always for the better."
—John Spain, Irish Voice

"The definitive description of the Ireland we live in. Read it and weep."
—Sunday Tribune

"It's like Tom Wolfe meets the Celtic Tiger. . . . It is bright, pacy, clever and entertaining, irreverent and full of attitude."
—Jim O'Leary, Irish economist, The Village Magazine

"This is economics with soul. . . . If you want to know what modern Ireland

is really like, this is the book to read."
—Nick Rossiter, Rumbles.net

"Brilliant and funny."
—The Guardian