Shareholders kept at a safe distance

IF the turnout in the upcoming general election is a mere 25%, we will throw up our hands and question the mandate of whatever government is formed.

But we never bat an eyelid when, by the simple expedient of arranging that an AGM be held in Dublin on a working day, companies ensure an attendance of about 5% of shareholders.

Of course one can vote by proxy, but this involves filling in a form and posting it. Not very onerous you might say, but wait. A friend who holds shares in a major drug company has just shown me a letter from Computershare Investor Services which states that “you may appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf online through our website”.