Limerick man to head up Government’s financial watchdog for second time

A CAPPAMORE man is at the helm of the Government’s financial watchdog for a second time.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers appointed Seamus Coffey as the new chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.

Mr Coffey was appointed from a shortlist of candidates following an open competition. His term of office as a member of the council begins with immediate effect this Friday for a four-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for up to two further four-year terms. 

Mr Chambers congratulated Mr Coffey.

“I am keenly aware of the important role that the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council plays in our budgetary process. Mr Coffey brings a wealth of experience to the role of chair and I know he will continue to ensure that the council continues to make an important contribution to the public discourse around the many fiscal and economic challenges facing the State,” said Mr Chamber.

Mr Coffey, a lecturer in the Department of Economics in University College Cork, previously chaired the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council from January 2017 to December 2019.

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His research and writing focuses on the performance of the Irish economy and the public finances. Mr Coffey is not afraid to pull hard on and off the pitch and has been a strong critic of Government in the past.

Mr Coffey is steeped in the GAA as his father, Patsy is a well-know referee while his grandfather was the legendary Jimmy ‘Butler’ Coffey, won Munster and All-Ireland medals with Tipperary, Limerick county titles with Ahane where he played beside Mick and John Mackey in a deadly full forward line, and trained Cappamore teams to junior and senior titles. 

Mr Coffey, who lives in Cork with wife Deirdre and their children, pulled on the green and yellow jersey of Cappamore for many years.

The goalkeeper has two County Junior B hurling championship medals to his name and won  a Junior A title in 2011.