IBEC: Economy needs stable government as soon as possible

Employers' group IBEC has said the economy needs a strong stable government in place as soon as possible.

The business group said the political situation was already having an economic impact.

IBEC's director of policy Fergal O'Brien said the uncertainty is a factor in falling consumer confidence.

"We've had some evidence in the past week that the political uncertainty is feeding through into a bit of fragility in consumer confidence," he said.

"We've no doubt the irish economy will continue to perform strongly ovr the coming years, but it is crucial we have a strong, stable government."