Replying To BarneyGrant:  "You missed the point. Of course there are lots of people from other than 'privileged' backgrounds who have done well.

Despite the stifling attitude of much of the professional and financial elite which did not support the sort of indigenous enterprise that Lemass and others tried to stimulate. It was that attitude that led Lemass to turn to foreign investment.

Landlords, barristers, accountants, chartered surveyors and civil service mandarins do not create enterprise and employment. They thrive off getting a cut from those who do."