Fund managers covet soccer star status

Fund managers have an unique view of their role in Irish society: as outlined this week by Mr Willie Cotter, chief executive of Bank of Ireland Asset Management when he explained to the media the driving force behind the individuals who daily invest the nation's pension and investment funds. Basically it is a "talent business", he said, which can only be compared with the advertising business or professional football. But unlike professional football, he pointed out that transfer fees are not as high. Nor did the biggest clubs necessarily end up with the best players.