From the editor
Welcome to this edition of Accountancy Ireland. This is our first issue since Ireland assumed its
Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the start of July.
In presenting the priorities for Ireland’s six-month presidency, Taoiseach Micheál Martin identified the competitiveness of the European Union as one of three key themes, alongside the need to protect the EU’s fundamental values and the security of its citizens.
Competitiveness is a particularly apt focal point for Ireland’s presidency, focused as it is on making it easier for businesses to start-up and scale in the EU, by eliminating barriers to growth, tackling unnecessary regulatory burdens and boosting internal market trade.
As an innately entrepreneurial nation, Ireland continues to punch above its weight on the global stage with innovative homegrown enterprises creating jobs and scaling in bigger markets overseas every day.
This issue’s interviews spotlight the trusted leadership driving many of these businesses, led by Chartered Accountants who have carved out successful sector-spanning c-suite careers.
On page 14, our cover story features John Dalton, Country
Manager and Director of Trading with Bord Gáis Energy, who has progressed from his early grounding in practice to assume a high-profile career in energy at an exciting time for the sector.
Helen Nolan, President of the Institute of Directors Ireland and Chair of Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland DAC, talks us through her progression from qualification and early financial roles in insurance and banking, to governance and board-level appointments (pg 18).
On page 27, meanwhile, Richard Leonard, Group Chief Financial Controller with Castlethorn, the Irish-owned homebuilder, gives us his take on potential solutions to Ireland’s housing crisis and the ongoing shortfall in new homes.
And, Lynda Deane, Corporate Affairs Manager with Water Safety Ireland, reflects on the mindset and mentors that have shaped her path to leadership (pg 44), while Melissa Fenlon, one of six new partners recently admitted to PwC Ireland, tells us about her successful career in accounting and tax advisory (pg 54).
As always, there is much food for thought in this issue and we hope you enjoy it!