Apple's former CEO has rowed back on comments questioning Ireland's ability to attract investment without the double-Irish tax loophole.

Apple and other large multinational firms are unlikely to scale back their Irish operations due to the abolition of the so-called "Double-Irish" tax loophole but it will prove challenging to encourage similar companies to set up here in future.

Parts of failed china and crystal maker Waterford Wedgwood could be sold to private equity after buyout group KPS Capital Partners signed a letter of intent, administrators announced today.

WATERFORD Wedgwood Plc, the crystal maker controlled by billionaire Tony O’Reilly, said annual earnings are broadly in line with managers’ expectations and gave details of a share sale.

PETER Cameron, the chief executive of struggling luxury goods maker Waterford Wedgwood, has stepped down unexpectedly.