Dr Peter Bacon (44) has spent most of his working life as an economist.He joined the Department of Finance after completing a degree in Trinity College, Dublin and worked there for two years. He subsequently worked in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development in Paris, the Economic and Social Research Institute, the National Planning Board - where he was director - and the World Bank in Washington.
He moved to chief economist at Goodbody stockbrokers in 1985 and was appointed managing director of the broking firm in 1993. He then worked as economic adviser in the Department of Finance when Mr Ahern was Minister. He now works as a self-employed economic consultant.
He is married with two children.