The Irish Currency Debate

The Irish Currency Debate centered on whether Ireland should keep its own currency or adopt a different one, like the British pound or the euro. Advocates for independence argued that a separate currency would give Ireland more control over its economy and policies. Opponents worried that switching currencies could cause economic instability, higher costs, or reduce financial cooperation with other countries. The debate became particularly intense during Ireland’s discussions about joining the Eurozone in the late 20th century. Ultimately, Ireland adopted the euro in 2002, balancing the benefits of economic integration with concerns about losing monetary autonomy.