Charlie McCreevy
Charlie McCreevy is a former Irish politician who served as Minister for Finance from 2002 to 2004 and as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 1997 to 2002. Known for his role in the economic boom of the early 2000s, McCreevy was a key figure in promoting fiscal policies that led to Ireland's rapid growth during the Celtic Tiger era. His famous quote, 'When you have it, you spend it,' reflects his approach to economic management, which emphasized spending during times of prosperity. He has also been involved in European politics, serving as a European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Harris had similar instincts and beliefs to Charlie McCreevy, who reduced capital gains tax to 20 percent.
Simon Harris can’t stop announcing his new investment scheme. This says a lot about him – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-02-28
Charlie McCreevy previously cut the capital gains tax to 20 percent when he was Minister for Finance.
Here’s a capital idea for ‘honest’ Micheál Martin – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-27
Charlie McCreevy introduced the SSIA scheme in 2001, which offered a government-financed bonus on savings.
Here’s what we know so far – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-16
The initiative under consideration was not a special savings incentive account scheme similar to that put in place 25 years ago by former Fianna Fáil minister for finance Charlie McCreevy.
Harris sketches out incentivised savings scheme to help ‘middle classes’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-16Charlie McCreevy was among those who swanked with a Celtic Tiger fed by tax cuts and deregulation.
There’s a reason why Ireland votes for leftist presidents and right-of-centre governments – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-28
Charlie McCreevy, an EU commissioner, also confessed to not reading the Lisbon Treaty in full.
If Catherine Connolly is an enemy of the EU, then Michael D Higgins is too – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-17
Charlie McCreevy is described as the Minister who rode the Celtic Tiger hardest.
This is what caution looks like. But will it wash with voters? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-08
Charlie McCreevy is referenced as an example of procyclical economic policy.
Nothing ‘prudent’ about a budget that cuts VAT on Big Macs and Michelin-starred meals – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-28
Charlie McCreevy is a former Fianna Fáil minister for finance known for his spending philosophy.
Where has it gone? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-11
Former finance minister Charlie McCreevy saw it: 'When you have it, you spend it.'
Elon Musk’s brutal rampage through the US government should be a warning to our politicians – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-02-28
