Simon Harris addressing a US Independence Day lunch as Taoiseach. The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland has published its own election manifesto. Photograph: Conor McCabe
It is hardly surprising, therefore, that American Chamber of Commerce Ireland , which represents the interests of the 970 US businesses that operate across the State, has a view on what the priorities for any incoming government should be. AmCham notes that while Ireland is ranked fourth in the IMD World Competitive Rankings for 2024, it is in a more modest 17th position for infrastructure. And in terms of basic infrastructure – those items listed above – Ireland ranks a lowly 38th out of the 67 countries covered by the report.Why more CEOs need to be on the shop floor
It’s not the chamber’s only ask. Talent attraction and skills development – including enhanced investment in research skills and a revamping of visa/work permit and personal tax systems – as well as business taxation and investment in digital and cyber also feature on the wishlist. But everything stems from housing.