ISME Chairman Eilis Quinlan has called for radical reform of the political system when she addressed the association's annual conference today.
Ms Quinlan told the 350 small and medium enterprise delegates that the Government's lack of innovation, ideas and leadership was a 'significant contributory factor' to the current economic crisis.
However, she also criticised the current opposition and call for a political system closer to European models in which ministers are appointed because of achievements in business and management.
She also called for a redrafting of the Croke Park agreement, saying it needs 'to include cuts in numbers and pay'.
She urged a national enterprise strategy, which she says is urgently required, where entrepreneurs 'enthusiasm, ideas and inventiveness is recognised and rewarded'.
