Economic growth forecast by AIB chief

SOLID prospects for the economy over the next two years have been forecast by AIB chief economist John Beggs.

This year, growth of 4% is forecast, rising to 5% in GDP terms next year as the economy moves back to trend growth.

Measured in GNP, favoured by some economists, Mr Beggs says growth of 3.5% is on the cards this year, rising to 4.5% in 2005.