Business is also shaping Irish identity
One factor which has been largely ignored in the debates and analysis about Ireland forging an independent future has been the role of business.
Sometimes it feels like advocates of industry as a critical piece of the Republic’s tapestry are unwelcome on a stage where other factors are deemed of greater value.
Personally, my Republicanism and Nationalism has always surfaced most vigorously around the development of Irish enterprise.
It may not carry the pageantry of others who claim ownership of our national identity but it burns with the same passion as those who choose alternative ways to advance the cause of Ireland.
Building Irish managed enterprises that can go out and compete on global markets adds more value to Irish society than many other forms of activism.
Companies or co-operatives headquartered and led from Ireland can generate jobs, create real economic value and promote the country, while improving the broader eco-system that provides mutual benefits from connecting private and public institutions in the common goal of advancing Ireland’s capabilities on the world stage.
Of course, these businesses must prove themselves in the ferociously competitive world of free enterprise, and that takes all forms of business models that may or may not sit comfortably with the founding fathers of the state.
On one side Dairygold, as a co-operative in the food industry, remains faithful to the vision advanced by George AE Russell and Horace Plunkett when they fought all kinds of opposition to bring farmers together in a co-operative structure.
On the other side lie companies like Ryanair and many multinationals that have succeeded in viciously competitive markets by adopting business models where labour does not have the same position as in the public sector or in some traditional industries.
Yet, all of these businesses play key roles in advancing the interests of Ireland and they should be thoroughly encouraged to do so.
Successful Irish businesses build valuable bridges into third level institutions that help propel the future generations forward.
By linking private sector companies with progressive universities and other third level organisations Ireland can forge the next generation of innovators and entrepeneurs who can take up the mantle of further advancing the Irish economy.
You can already see that in the food and IT sectors where graduates are seamlessly interacting with private corporations and many of those have already become leaders in globally significant companies.
Growing Irish-led private companies internationally is a tough and bruising challenge.
I noted recently the chief executive of Enterprise Ireland mentioned a key issue for her was to help companies retain their independence while expanding rather that selling out to large global corporations.
In the IT sector, particularly, it can be very appealing to de-risk a business and collect a handsome sum if an international company knocks on the door with cash.
It is a phenomenon in other sectors too.
Finding ways to encourage and support companies to maintain their Irish independence is an important task.
I’m often asked for examples of the latter.
The list is long, and impressive. Kerry Group, Kingspan, Glanbia, Applegreen, Origin, Ryanair, Irish Ferries, CRH, Dairymaster, Total Produce are just some of the names that spring to mind.
If you scratch the surface of the management in each of these businesses you will find a ferocious pride in being Irish, progressive and ambitious.
Are those not the attributes we need to celebrate, too, in a year when the need to look forward is at least as important as an examination of history?
- Joe Gill is director of corporate broking with Goodbody Stockbrokers. His views are personal.
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