Abstract
This paper examines the classical economist John Elliot Cairnesʼs analysis of “the Irish prob-lem.” In particular, it focuses on the land proper-ty rights issue in Ireland. This study examines John Stuart Millʼs analysis of the Irish problem, although Mill was influenced by Cairnesʼs view on this issue. However, research on Cairnesʼs analysis of the Irish problem is extremely scarce. Therefore, this paper is significant in that it closely examines Cairnesʼs analysis.
In this paper, the following two issues are discussed. First, Ireland faced several problems related to population, religion, and national inde-pendence. This paper deals with the reason that Cairnes paid the utmost attention to the land ownership problem. Secondly, by comparing Cairnesʼs view with that of Mill, can we clarify the characteristics of Cairnesʼs analysis? Cairnes emphasized the difference between land and other commodities, promoting the establishment of a system of land ownership appropriate to the Irish condition. Moreover, he criticized the lais-sez-faire policy: he advocated that it was neces-sary for the government to intervene in land ownership issues. Cairnesʼs criticism of the lais-sez-faire policy had an impact on Mill. This pa-per highlights Cairnesʼs view on the importance of institutions in solving economic problems.
JEL classification numbers: B12, B31.
