Call for public sector reform

Cork: Reform of the public sector, access to credit for business and a greater sense of civic duty are in urgent need in Ireland, said Cork Chamber president Ger O’Mahony at the organisation’s annual dinner in Cork City Hall last night.

Mr O’Mahony said: “There is a stark contrast in Ireland with the UK and the US where many individuals in enterprise are encouraged to become actively involved in public service. They feel a much higher obligation to get involved and effect change. Here, there is almost a barrier to it. The question ‘what’s in it for me’ is asked too often. If this doesn’t change, the ‘great divide’ between private and public will remain to a large degree.”