Economic challenge today ‘similar to Ireland of Plunkett’s day’

By Ray Ryan Agribusiness Correspondent

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

THE challenges that Ireland faced when Horace Plunkett helped establish the co-op movement are replicated today in the current unprecedented economic downturn.

Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) president Pat McLoughlin made the comparison at the launch in Dublin of a book by Maurice Colbert on Plunkett’s life and immense influence on the development of Ireland’s agricultural sector.

Mr McLoughlin said in many ways today’s challenges require the same forthright and courageous approach by all sections of society towards a spirit of national co-operation in bringing Ireland back from the brink of collapse.

"It also requires clear and decisive leadership by Government in making the major budgetary decisions which are necessary.

"This includes inevitable cuts in public expenditure, including reform of the public service pay bill and expenditure levels, which we cannot afford in the current economic circumstances."

Mr McLoughlin said this is one of the most significant issues on political and economic agendas in recent times and probably for generations to come.

The consequences will be enormous for our indigenous sectors, such as food, which are competing on international markets, he said.

Mr McLoughlin said the co-operative movement’s continued success is testament to Plunkett’s strength of intellect and great leadership qualities.

His legacy is vast and hugely impressive, and includes the establishment of hugely important public bodies and businesses, such as the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society (now ICOS), the Irish Agricultural Wholesale Society, the Irish Country Women’s Association, and the Department of Agriculture.

His influence was also international where iconic figures such as Theodore Roosevelt also lauded his thinking.

The book’s author, Maurice Colbert, worked for the co-operative movement in both IAOS and ICOS during the period 1966 to 2002.

He comes from Ardmore in Co Waterford, and now lives with his wife Sheila and family in the parish of Two-Mile-House, outside Naas, Co Kildare.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, November 04, 2009