In The Wealth of Nations (1776), Adam Smith argued that markets are governed by an ‘invisible hand’ and thus should be subject to minimal government interference, to allow said free markets to facilitate sustained economic growth. Letting the free market be king, queen and government is all very well and good when all things are equal, but when things are not equal, as in Ireland on the eve of the Great Famine, Smith’s subsequent army of fans would become criminally negligent.

Produced and presented by Bernie Dwan.