Small firms’ lending call

A SMALL-business owner is leading a campaign to make the Government force banks to continue to provide lending and other support services to local businesses.

Clara Leahy, who owns a hardware and grocery business in Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, last night organised a rally in Midleton, Co Cork, to which people thronged from all over Munster.

Ms Leahy said: “There are people going out of business, day-in day-out.

“One of those happens to be a relation of mine. I am going to fight as hard as I can on this because what is him today is going to be me tomorrow and someone else the day after.

“There is money owed to me from other people. My business will not survive being owed that money.”

Ms Leahy, whose business is 150 years old, went on national radio earlier this week to highlight the issues and afterwards was inundated with calls.

As well as the public rally, Ms Leahy is organising a petition to Government.

“It outlines how it is unconstitutional that they gave the banks money without our consent. It is up to them to ensure that banking is put back into place and to stop pulling people’s livelihoods from under their noses when they are trying their best to get out and work.”