W2E-009 Regional editorials-0.txt
BUY IRISH AND BUY LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

In an era, when the level of international trade reaches new heights, the facility to buy overseas products is easier than ever. But should we not think first before we buy?

Local jobs should be supported where possible.

Here in Waterford, we have many fine industries producing excellent products that deserve patronisation this Christmas. For those on a higher budget, you could buy glass from Waterford Crystal. Children could be bought Milton Bradley toys. Individual gifts could be purchased that are locally made, whether by local crafts people. The emphasis could also be on local food and drink. We should try and keep business and employment in the area, where possible.

According to recent statistics released by the Waterford Trades Council last month, £ 6 is spent on imported goods for every $ 4 spent on Irish made goods. If the balance could be split the other way, 30,000 to 40000 jobs could be created. Other countries are very proud of their home produce. The French rave about their wonderful food and their great cars, which they buy more than foreign ones. In England, foreign goods have tended to be very popular, has the same trend started here, with goods being sourced often in low cost countries?

The large preponderance of foreign owned stores in Ireland in the past ten years has led to more consumer imports.

The Trades Council has advised shoppers before Christmas to ask to see the Irish made product and compare the quality and price with other goods. Positive action can be taken at Christmas time, when there is a consumer boom, to spend more on Irish and locally produced goods where possible.

We, in the "Munster Express", feel that our local advertisers also deserve support at this time of year. There is often the temptation to go to Cork or to Dublin, or even further afield as people chase bargains. This year, the big rush has been to Northern Ireland, now that we have a ceasefire.

Waterford city centre has progressed a great deal over the past decade in terms of shopping choice. It is now a truly regional shopping mecca, given the large number of shopping malls that we now have.

In line with the growth and trade in Waterford, other towns such as Dungarvan, New Ross and Carrick on Suir are making a bigger push to get a slice of the retail spend, emphasising their strengths such as parking and convenience for the shopper.

We would ask our readers to encourage their families and friends to support local retailers and local products, as the Waterford Trades Council has done.

This year could be a record Christmas in terms of spending power and should give a boost to shops, some of whom may have had a difficult year to date.

CHARITIES DESERVE SUPPORT

Local charities such as the Vincent de Paul deserve our support as well at this time of year. They are in the front line of contact with those who are badly in need of help. In last week's paper, we related a story revealing that by the end of this year a quarter of a million pounds will be spent on its services, which included 16,000 visits.

The Lions Club appeal will also assist many needy families at Christmas, auction items of which we carry on page 29.

Bishop of Waterford, Most Rev. Dr. William Lee, has said that the increased demands on the St. Vincent de Paul Society would need to be met so that families in need could look to the future with some glimmer of hope. Contributions were never so badly needed as at present.

We would hope that the people of Waterford would support their local charities. At this time of year, many charities actively fundraise, we should encourage local charities as much as possible. City Manager, Michael Doody, said that every penny collected by the Society went straight into aid.
