COMMENT: A voice for business in a reformed Seanad

PUBLIC reaction to the recent election has shown us that not everyone has felt the effects of the improved economy. Don’t get me wrong, the job is by no means finished. Every economy needs active management and over the next few years, the potential is there for the Irish economy to continue to grow.  

No one wants to go back to the days of ‘boom and bust’ and that is why we need to have more experienced business people involved in the national decision making process.

We need entrepreneurs with a strong track record of economic delivery for this country, who can be a strong voice at national level.

In Ireland, we have a well of talented entrepreneurs. I know what it’s like to try to cultivate a business vision in tough economic times. In the early nineties, the global telecoms industry was really starting to grow and as an entrepreneur, I saw a real opportunity to be a part of that growth. I went on to establish TCL Telecom in Ireland (acquired by Verizon) and eTel in Central Europe (acquired by Telekom, Austria). 

The SME Sector is the real backbone of our economy. It is the place in which the majority of our jobs are created. In 1998 I set up Powerscourt Investments and since then I have spent almost 20 years helping, and investing in Irish entrepreneurs. To keep the economic momentum going we need the right environment for our businesses, one in which our enterprises can grow and flourish. 

The responsibility of any legislator is to make decisions that are in the best interests of our country, our economy and its people. My priorities are to develop a stronger investment environment to encourage entrepreneurs and attract international investment. 

For almost a decade, I have been at the forefront of strengthening the future of Trinity College. I know first-hand, about the funding threats facing our universities. As the parent of two daughters in college, I share every parent’s fear about how our universities will continue to be funded, what this will mean for our children who are already in college and for those who have yet to take that step. 

For many school-leavers, the traditional route of third-level education is simply not for them. Real work needs to be started in the area of apprenticeship training.

Two years ago the Irish people voted to retain the Seanad but they did not vote to retain a pasture ground for retired, failed or aspiring politicians. I want to see a reform of the Upper House, but that reform needs to start from the top down. I have the skills, the experience and the energy to be a Senator who can make the Seanad more relevant and effective. It all comes down to a matter of how people vote; for more of the same or for change?”