This review argues that Ireland's present social contract is broken and that 2017 is the perfect opportunity to develop a new and radical social contract for Ireland’s second century.

All democracies are founded on a social contract. The social contract is how the standard of living everyone expects and agrees on is implemented and delivered and how the balance of rights and responsibilities among citizens, communities, institutions and government is maintained. A progressive social contract is one where Government works in the interest of all, where social cohesion and the common good are the primary measures of progress, and the economy is nurtured for the benefit of society. This Review outlines a series of policies and recommendations which would deliver a progressive social contract.