An Taoiseach Enda Kenny visited Ardlinn’s new Northern Irish office in Belfast today to discuss the importance of the government working with the private sector to encourage growth on both sides of the border.

Mr. Kenny was in Belfast to deliver a speech on the ‘Brexit’ referendum to an audience at Ulster University, after which he visited the Ardlinn and Cpl’s new offices to meet with business leaders from across Ireland. Addressing the subject of the upcoming EU referendum, Mr. Kenny referred to the decision as “one of the most important votes in the last 50 years.”

An Taoiseach highlighted the similarities between the two nations’ private sectors, stating that both share similar strengths and weaknesses, and both are at their best when working together.

He also noted that working with different currencies, taxes, and laws can be a barrier for many businesses, but pointed to Ardlinn’s parent company, Cpl, as an example of a company that has successfully operated and grown on both sides of the border. Mr. Kenny said that it is crucial for the governments to engage with the private sector in order to stimulate the economies of both countries.