HP job losses show up the weakness in Ireland's economy

THE legacy of TK Whitaker, who died last month at the age of 100, lives on as a cornerstone of Irish economic policy. It was he who started the process of attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland and, by any measure, it has been a huge success.

However, the decision by the US tech firm HP to close its print business manufacturing plant in Leixlip, Co Kildare, should serve as a warning that FDI has its limits.

The company says it is likely that close to 500 HP employees will lose their jobs, delivering a huge blow not only to north Kildare but Ireland as a whole.