Firms express lack of confidence in Coalition

More than four out of 10 companies in a chamber of commerce whose members include key employers such as microchip maker Intel and food group Kerry have said they lack confidence in the Government.

North Kildare Chamber of Commerce, which represents local and multinational companies with a combined workforce of 9,300 people, has found 86 per cent of its members have confidence in the Irish economy.

In its first business confidence survey, the group said 84 per cent of its members are experiencing an upturn in trade, while 53 per cent planned to employ more people this year and close to nine out of 10 were positive about prospects for the coming year.

However, 42 per cent of them do not have confidence in the Government’s ability to create jobs, increase competitiveness and maintain business growth.

When asked what the single biggest barrier to growth that members faced, 30 per cent of them said lack of credit was still a problem.

This shaded taxation, which 27 per cent identified, Government policy, singled out by 17 per cent; staff costs, a problem for 15 per cent; and lack of talent, which was an issue for 11 per cent.

The credit issue loomed particularly large for small and medium-sized businesses, 60 per cent of which said they were not happy with the banks.

Two-thirds of this group also said taxation was a problem.