Ireland’s US multinationals promise ongoing support but issue warning

THE new president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland has said that the body’s members here will continue to support the country’s efforts towards economic recovery, but added that the Government must act to lower Ireland’s cost base.

Dr Paul Duffy — head of manufacturing at pharmaceutical giant Pfizer’s Irish operations and president of the Chamber since the end of last month — was addressing the annual American Chamber lunch in Dublin yesterday.

Dr Duffy said that while further job losses could not be ruled out, Ireland could do things to lessen the risk of multinationals losing their faith in the economy here.