Cowen set to announce that Irish economy has turned corner

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will declare Ireland has turned a corner from economic doldrums during an official trip to the United States today.

During the three-day visit he will hold meetings with the chief executive of the New York Stock Exchange Duncan Niederauer and city mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Taoiseach said he will drive home the message that Ireland’s economy was starting to grow again.

“The first objective will be to give a clear message to key media outlets, business figures and opinion formers that Ireland has turned the corner after several very difficult years,” he said.

“This is clear from the positive growth figures published last week, as well as a number of other important economic indicators.”

Mr Cowen said he will also ask for advice from business and political leaders on how Ireland can continue its fight against the recession and create jobs.

The Taoiseach will travel to Atlanta, Georgia to open a new Irish consulate there – the first Irish diplomatic mission in the US south.