Mixed response from industry

ANY comments on the budget’s contribution to improving the business climate has to be set against the banking crisis.

In that sense, business has already been well supported by the Governments’ decision to underwrite the banks to prevent them from going under.

Much more may be required in capital investment before that saga is over, with some forecasters saying the Government will have to take investment stakes in the banks who may need to raise up to €14 billion to stay alive in the coming years.