At a special meeting of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce held yesterday, President Archibald Murray presided over discussions addressing a critical concern: the inadequate representation of commercial interests from the western seaboard in the upcoming national convention.

During the meeting, it was revealed that a resolution had been adopted by the committee and subsequently forwarded to the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary for Ireland. The resolution emphasized the Chamber’s support for the forthcoming convention but highlighted a significant oversight. It stated: “The Chamber of Commerce, approving the coming Convention, beg to point out that the commercial interests will be inadequately represented with only three Chambers of Commerce, and ask that trade commerce be further strengthened by a representative from this and other Chambers.”

President Murray expressed his concern that the current arrangement, which includes representatives from the Dublin, Belfast, and Cork Chambers, does not sufficiently cover the diverse commercial landscape of Ireland. He pointed out that while these Chambers represent the interests of the eastern seaboard, the western seaboard, including significant hubs like Limerick, remains without adequate representation.

Supporting the resolution, Mr Stephen O’Mara highlighted the broader implications of the issue. He expressed hope that the convention would address and reconcile the differences between Ireland and the British Empire, underlining the critical importance of unity for the nation’s commercial prosperity. O’Mara emphasized that uncertainty severely hampers commerce, whereas peace, order, and goodwill are vital for economic growth and stability.

The adoption of the resolution by the Chamber underscores the pressing need for a more inclusive approach that considers the commercial interests of all regions. The Chamber’s call for additional representation aims to ensure that the unique perspectives and needs of the western seaboard are not overlooked in national discussions.

The Limerick Chamber of Commerce’s proactive stance reflects a broader sentiment among business leaders in the region, who are eager to contribute to and influence the future economic policies of Ireland. By advocating for more comprehensive representation, the Chamber seeks to foster a more balanced and equitable approach to national commerce and trade discussions.

As the national convention approaches, the Chamber’s resolution serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the need to address regional disparities. The outcome of this advocacy could have significant implications for the future of commerce in Ireland, potentially paving the way for more robust and representative economic policies.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of the resolution, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of all commercial stakeholders, particularly those from the western seaboard, are heard and considered in shaping the future of Irish commerce.

Dublin Daily Express – Saturday 23 June 1917