Certainly, though I wonder if part of the mindset I encountered was a result of any surplus wealth being taken by the landowners for a good 800 years or so. If you don't get to enjoy the fruits of your labour, why try?
Ireland is a post-colonial society in many respects.
My generation are the first generation to be able to get a job in Ireland (and even then most of us can't afford a house). It takes time for culture like that to be worked through.
See also, Irish people's opinions of our most successful export, Bono.
(he's a dick btw, because of the tax dodging though, not because of his success).
