Students tune in to hear O’Brien’s message of hope for the future

MULTI-MILLIONAIRE businessman Denis O’Brien yesterday told an audience of young entrepreneurs that Ireland was in “a very positive place”.

Clearly unfazed by the country’s economic woes and the €50 billion bank bailout, he described the banking crisis as ‘a blip’ and a minor setback which would be overcome.

But, addressing a Young Entrepreneur Programme Blue Sky Day, in Tralee, the Digicel chief executive said the country had over-spent for a long time and it needed to be a country of modesty again.

Mr O’Brien told 800 second-level students there were still plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs, while stressing it was a time to keep costs down and “not to be flash” – at least until success had been achieved.

Following a difficult week for the Irish economy, he said it was inspiring to be in Kerry at an event which he described as “an oasis of happiness and optimism”.

Mr O’Brien also offered a promotional package to Tralee CBS student, Michael Dillane, 16, to help him with his project which won a Young Entrepreneur of the Year award last year.

The project, which involves the provision of graduation gifts for schools, will now be promoted on the Today FM and Newstalk radio stations.

Mr O’Brien said Irish missionaries and Ireland’s NGOs, such as Concern, had given Ireland an excellent reputation in emerging markets, which would pave the way for Ireland’s entrepreneurs.

When he first started in the Caribbean, the area had no mobile phones but now his company had 300,000 customers in Haiti, he said.

The reason he employed Irish people was that “they could talk to anyone and could rough it”, he said.

He urged students to consider a life of entrepreneurship. Mr O’Brien advised students to keep their word and to run legitimate businesses which paid their taxes. And they should also get involved in community organisations like the GAA which would “keep your senses alive”.

He also recommended that students should travel overseas to give themselves a better view of the world.

Second-level students from across Kerry, Limerick and Cork, along with third-level students from the Institute of Technology, Tralee, are participating in the Young Entrepreneur Programme.

Other speakers included Kate Ryan, of Fitsquad, Kate Carmody of Beale Organic Cheese, and former RTÉ broadcaster Mark Little.