Friends in high places can do us no harm in planning our economic recovery

The pulling on of the green jersey has become de rigeur among the Irish in these difficult times. Most of us are doing it in the metaphorical sense, obeying that deep call to patriotism, to "do our bit" for "the ould sod". Of course, there are those of us who physically pull on the jersey and then have to take it off again a few minutes later (as in the Stade de France last Saturday evening). Last week, we were presented with images of former US President Bill Clinton pulling on the (metaphorical) green jersey and lining out for good old Ireland. It's very easy to be cynical about the motives of politicians (active or retired) but, in this case, Clinton's gesture should stir some profound emotions in us. He has nothing to gain for himself in doing what he is doing - and we have everything to gain. He's doing it because he wants to, not because he feels obliged. Indeed, the idea for an investment forum for Ireland originated with Clinton when he attended the Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin last October. Once again, we are presented with a clear signal that this little country of ours (population 4.5 million) can punch well above its weight on the international stage. We may consider that Ireland has many friends in the political/financial establishment in the United States but the mere presence of our Taoiseach and Tánaiste would hardly have been enough to pull in the big corporate hitters who might influence industrial or commercial investment towards Ireland. The Clinton magic is bound to work in our favour in ramming home the message, as Taoiseach Enda Kenny put it, that Ireland is open for business. He portrayed us as a country more competitive than ever because of the economic downturn as he sought investment dollars to bolster the economy. The New York investment forum was organised by Clinton and, if reports are accurate, he managed to pull in some big names. We need all of it. Those who already have investments here or who are considering investing should know the facts of a changed Ireland and they should know that there might never be a better time to take advantage of new investment. There is a hard business message to sell, a message that is devoid of emotion and based on hard facts. We are showing that we can make serious adjustments in our economy, that we are competitive, that wages are lower and labour is more plentiful. Added to that are the advantages of lower commercial and residential property rates. Bill Clinton may have done the gladhanding and the schmoozing but the Irish team went with the hard facts. It is a fact that a World Bank report found Ireland "the most supportive business environment" in the eurozone. The upbeat nature of the New York forum, and the announcements made at home in the last few days, hopefully prepares the ground for a solid recovery in the not-too-distant future. If the government's action plan for investment, growth and jobs is successful, we will see the creation of 100,000 jobs over the next five years. It's an ambitious target but there needs to be serious intent behind it. The plan should take us up to the doorstep of commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. If the plan has not shown itself to be viable, then the FG-Labour coalition can expect to be thrown out on its ear. Indeed, it may still be dumped as a result of the harsh cuts it has had to implement since the breakdown of the banks and the economy. We have to take it on trust for now that the government means business and that the jobs will materialise. In the meantime, we all need to make a real attempt to lift the cloud of despondency in this country, to start believing in ourselves and our ability to make a comeback. By pulling on the green jersey in every sense and at every opportunity, we can show the world that Ireland can do it.