The new year provides an opportunity to look forward but Sterling's collapse and the widening VAT rate between us and our nearest neighbour remain reasons of major concern for members.
We can only hope that the recapitalisation of the banks, fuel prices declining and inflation coming down mean we can look forward to a stabilisation of our economy and a return to some form of “Business as Usual” at some stage in 2009.
The need to to keep our position in a difficult market is the driving force behind staging the 25th IMF boat show next February. There is no doubt it is a brave decision taken at a difficult time. Against the odds 4,000 sq.m of exhibition space has been sold and we are fortunate to be able to welcome Allianz again as title sponsor. The IMF urges everyone to get involved in some way in their national boat show.
We hope the 2009 Allianz Dublin Boat Show will give an opportunity of targeting new entrants to boating and the show features will be very much geared to providing the visitor with a boating experience in straitened times.
Minister Eamonn O’Cuív will officially open the Show at 7pm on Wednesday February 18th. All members are welcome to attend.
2009 will be a difficult year for all of us but I hope by standing together at events such as next month's show we can most effectively promote the Irish marine leisure industry for all of us.
