REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS CITY WEST, DUBLIN
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS CITY WEST, DUBLIN THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER, 2010
Dia dhíbh a chairde, it’s good to join you this evening to celebrate the dynamism and optimism embodied by the twenty-four nominees for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2010.
The prevailing mood in this room and among these people is practical, can-do, hard-headed and determined, a reminder in “these challenging economic times” of our strengths and talents and of the relentless work that is going on daily to restore prosperity, opportunity and progress.
In facing up to our current challenges, we are all agreed that there is no room for fantasy or false optimism. Yet within this room there is a palpable sense of positivity for it is filled with men and women who against the tide have developed exciting, fresh, innovative business ventures across a very diverse range of sectors. Each one is a powerful reminder of the strengths Ireland has as a place with one of the highest levels of entrepreneurialism in the world. They remind us that our export sector is continuing to do well and is a source of considerable hope; they remind us that hope is translated into real, lived opportunity by entrepreneurs who are willing to trudge through the sacrifice and the strain to reach the satisfaction of success. The twenty-four candidates selected from many many more by the judges have been tested and scrutinised by the best in the business. If tonight is a welcome recognition of their individual efforts, believe me, their work is a welcome signpost to a better future for all of us. Enjoy this evening’s celebration. It has been earned the hard way. I wish you every success in the future as you continue to grow your businesses, create jobs and play a central role in improving Ireland’s economic fortunes in the years ahead.
Comhghairdeas libh arís. Gurb fada buan sibh ‘s go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.