More to follow in Dorgan's footsteps

The IDA Ireland chief executive, Mr Seán Dorgan, was in the firing line this week over his "Yes" stance in the forthcoming second Nice Referendum.

Well-placed to identify the benefits to the Irish economy of foreign investment and the wider EU market, Mr Dorgan was perfectly positioned to urge a "Yes" vote. While there would be growing rivalry for investment in a larger EU, he said the applicant states were already competing for prize projects. This is a point worth repeating - especially to those who argue that the Republic might be left behind once enlargement becomes a reality.

There seems to be a greater urgency about the "Yes" campaign this time round, in contrast to the sleepy stance adopted last time out.

Hence this week's other intervention from business, by the Bank of Ireland chairman, Mr Laurence Crowley. Again, it was not well received by certain shareholders at the bank's a.g.m.

Expect more of the same, however, from other business figures, who are likely to try to lead the debate into the economic arena and away from neutrality. The economic arguments are of course strong. But voter fatigue - not to say boredom - was a feature when such matters dominated the general election.

In addition, corporate misdeeds in the US and the Ansbacher fall-out at home tend unfairly to tar the entire business community, so arguments coming from business might well fall on unhearing ears.

Then again, in the light of events in recent years, the stock of politicians is probably no higher.