The Northern Ireland economy: Progress (1968-75) and prospects

Davies R., McGurnaghan M. A. and Sams K. I. (1977) The Northern Ireland economy: progress (1968-75) and prospects, Reg. Studies 11, 297-307. Unemployment - public spending and public services - emigration.This paper considers how the political disturbances in Northern Ireland affected economic performance in the period 1968-75. The conclusions it reaches are that the unemployment situation had not worsened as might have been expected because of the influence of increased public spending and higher emigration. The most important factor has been an increase in employment in the public services which seems to have been an unintended consequence of the rise in government spending. But, due to cuts in public expenditure, this cannot continue and the future outlook for employment is bleak.