He is one of the most recognized and influential economic and social commentators in Ireland. A graduate of TCD in economics and with a masters in economics from the College of Europe, Bruges, he began his professional career in the Central Bank of Ireland. He subsequently spent a number of years in London working as an economist for UBS and BNP specialising in emerging markets. Since returning to Ireland he has worked in print and broadcast journalism, has written numerous books on the Irish economy and has authored plays and documentaries. He is the founder of the Kilkenomics economics festival.