IDA favouritism - Invest in all communities

Minister of State for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock is right to highlight the performance of the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) when it come to providing employment in small towns.

It is easy to understand why many small towns feel excluded when it comes to the location of new enterprises.

IDA chief Barry O’Leary acknowledged last week that Dublin, Cork and Galway have been the “main beneficiaries” of foreign investment. Of course, this is because the clients ultimately made the final decision on the location of their companies.

Mr O’Leary said he has seen little evidence that the IDA has prioritised other areas, and mentioned his home town of Mallow. Therein lies the problem. When such areas have received preference in the past, they have usually been associated with a specific minister.

The electorate in general has grown cynical of ministers according preferment to their own constituencies. Selfish preferment is the antithesis of good government.

The IDA should, without fear or favour, try to provide opportunities for both smaller communities and the larger urban centres.