Following yesterdays (17 May 2017) announcement by Enda Kenny TD of his intention to step down as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach, County Kildare Chamber CEO Allan Shine praised the strong leadership Enda Kenny provided throughout economically turbulent and politically challenging times.
“It is important to recognise the extremely challenging position that the Irish economy faced when Enda Kenny took office in 2011 and the role that stable government and strong leadership has played in steadying the ship. Throughout his period as Taoiseach Enda Kenny was an effective spokesperson for Irish interests at European level and an impressive representative for Irish trade and business concerns. We congratulate Taoiseach Enda Kenny on his impressive leadership of the country and we wish him well as he continues his long and accomplished career in Dáil Eireann.
“Brexit is undoubtedly the biggest economic challenge facing Ireland and the next leader of Fine Gael and the next Taoiseach must ensure that Irish interests remain front and centre when the EU-UK negotiations commence. Businesses across the country want to see Government taking steps to protect the Irish economy from potential negative impacts and we call on the next Taoiseach to prioritise the delivery of investment in the infrastructure needed to protect competiveness and attract investment.”