Government criticised for inviting Denis O’Brien to economic forum

The decision of the Government to invite billionaire businessman, Denis O’Brien to the Global Irish Economic Forum has been criticised by Renua leader Lucinda Creighton.

Hundreds of businesspeople, many based abroad, will attend today’s Dublin Castle gathering, which follows on from a series of regional meetings in Galway, Limerick, Laois and Derry yesterday.

Ms Creighton, who has sparred frequently with Mr O’Brien, said the forum offered the Government the opportunity to clearly indicate whether they stand behind the Moriarty report.

“The invited presence of Mr O’Brien at the forum indicates where their support lies,” said Ms Creighton, who has criticised Mr O’Brien’s attendance in the past.

Among other invitees to the forum, organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs, is Web Summit cofounder Paddy Cosgrave.

Other senior business leaders attending include Ann B Kelleher, TMG vice-president of Intel US; Orna Ní Chionna of Oxford University’s Saïd Business School board; Margaret Molloy, chief marketing officer with Siegel+Gate; and Mary McKenna, co-founder of Northern Ireland Science Park.