I was struck by two things:-
1) In driving to watch Ulster Rugby against Munster, it took me no time at all from Belfast to Dublin Airport/M50 and indeed onwards to Limerick and Shannon - and that is before the road is complete around Newry and between Nenagh and Limerick.
2) The piece on the front page and page 3 of today's Irish Times about Charges at Dublin Airport that may rise sharply.
I suggest the travelling public (business and leisure) may join the shoppers in increasing numbers in taking the opportunity to come north to fly from Belfast International and Belfast City Airports - as it takes no time at all from Dublin to either!
That said, I am also conscious that Gordon Brown is taking approx £100.30 in Airport Departure Tax (due to rise by another approx £15 in 2010) from an ordinary Coach passenger flying to NYC - compared to approx £64.30 in Dublin.
Business Class (the vital economic link that we must encourage ) is even worse at approx £145.30 compared with £64.30 ex-Dublin).
What an opportunity we have. I do hope that the Executive presses Gordon Brown - or perhaps Sir Reg Empey presses David Cameron to do something about this, to allow us to seize the day.
We have got to build a set of simple economic tools that will together make the north an attractive business proposition.
Maybe this will be a topic of discussion on Tuesday 24th November when The Presidents' Club hosts Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister for Science, Technology, Innovation & Natural Resources, Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.
Members and guests will have an opportunity to quiz Minister Lenihan as to his Government's views of all-island business development and cooperation in important areas such as infrastructure, R&D and International Development.
The idea behind our Thought Leaders Series of events is that the leader 'moderates' (a good Presbyterian term!) discussion around a theme, rather than 'talks at' the audience.
If you have interest in attending (£25 contribution towards costs) or have questions for the Minister let me know!
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