Publications

Ireland
The consensus view among Irish economists is that expansion will persist, albeit accompanied by overdue adjustments in our overheated real estate market. Ireland’s overall economic health is good, supported by continuing inward investment from abroad and by generally attractive investment conditions. The flow of immigration to Ireland, so necessary to support further economic expansion, continues unabated.

Mason Hayes & Curran

As always Mason Hayes & Curran constantly tries to read the market, anticipating the changes which developing economic conditions will bring. Our current view is that Ireland will continue as a favoured destination for inward investors, but that the great challenge for government will
be to maintain and increase selected public expenditure to create the enhanced infrastructure necessary for on-going national development.

In this issue of MHC Times I contribute an article called “Celtic Tiger, Alive and Well”, dealing with inward investment patterns from the United States. Separately, we report on an important seminar we recently hosted for senior Irish public
servants, where the speakers speculated on the challenges facing Ireland’s public service, if in due course the currently buoyant levels of taxation yield were to decrease.

Appointments

Recruitment and retention of quality lawyers is the lifeblood of our firm, and a challenge we always face, and thankfully rise to. Earlier this year we announced the creation of six new partners, and in this edition of MHC Times we announce the addition of three more. They are Ronnie Neville (employment law & benefits), John Minihane (real estate) and Gerard Ryan (corporate), each a leading practitioner with an excellent reputation.

Also in this edition we announce the appointment of nine new senior associates, some promoted from our junior lawyer ranks, and some acquired through lateral hire. It is fulfilling to see so many rising stars vote confidence in Mason Hayes & Curran as a firm of the future.

Shipping

In our judgment the maritime sector will make an ever increasing contribution to Ireland’s future growth. Mason Hayes & Curran is one of the very few Dublin firms with a specialist marine expertise, and our practice in this area is headed by partner Helen Noble. As Helen outlines in this publication there are exciting developments in the sector, including plans for enhanced national ports infrastructure, and significant levels of increase in ship finance activity. In the latter regard, Helen and her team work closely with our financial services lawyers who report significant activity in asset financing, including maritime work.

Peace Dividends

For every Irish person it’s gratifying to see so many positive economic and political developments in Northern Ireland. Mason Hayes & Curran sees a significant increase in activity involving Northern Ireland business. Our strategic alliance with the leading Belfast law firm Carson McDowell serves our clients extremely well, and in cooperation with our Belfast colleagues we offer a seamless all-island legal service. Political advances in Northern Ireland are followed by commercial and infrastructural progress, as our partner John Kettle highlights in a piece on Ireland’s single electricity market in this issue.

Transition
I am approaching the end of my third term as managing partner of Mason Hayes & Curran, and am due to transition from that role at the end of March 2008. I describe myself as tired, but fulfilled! The next edition of MHC Times will be the last where I’ll write the Managing Partner’s Diary, and I’ll betaking the opportunity of reflecting on my nine years in office, as well as anticipating the future. I’ll also be announcing the identity of my successor, and setting out my own plans forthe future. So watch this space!