The European economic crisis has been ongoing since 2008 and while austerity has spread over the continent, it has failed to revive economies. The media have played an important ideological role in presenting the policies of economic and political elites in a favourable light, even if the latter¿s aim has been to shift the burden of adjustment onto citizens. This book explains how and why, using a critical political economic perspective and focusing on the case of Ireland. Throughout, Ireland is compared with contemporary and historical examples to contextualise the arguments made.
1. Introduction: 'the most significant changes since World War II¿ 2. The crisis and the role of the media 3. The housing bubble 4. Saving the banks 5. The EU-IMF bailout and the default option 6. Austerity, or class warfare 7. Beyond the Eurozone 8. Conclusion