MS MARY Harney, leader of the Progressive Democrats, called yesterday for corporation tax reform - cutting the standard rate to 25 per cent over five years. Speaking to the US Chamber of Commerce of Ireland, Ms Harney said uncertainty over the future of the special 10 per cent corporation tax for manufacturing industry would threaten its ability to attract substantial US investment.

She also called for a reform of personal tax to bring the British and Irish systems more closely in line.