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IDA chair Feargal O’Rourke: ‘People don’t believe me but tax is not the main reason firms come here’

The former managing partner at PWC on why he never followed his mother, Mary, into national politics

Feargal O'Rourke, chair of IDA Ireland: ‘When I joined PWC, there were culchies and non-culchies and the Dubs were in the ascendancy.’ Picture: Fergal Phillips.

Being chair of IDA Ireland requires relevant skills and experience and few could argue against Feargal O’Rourke, who took up the position on January 1, ticking the required boxes.

The recently retired 59-year-old managing partner at PWC has been the go-to tax accountant for many foreign multinationals based in Ireland, or coming to the country, for decades.

But the outgoing and chatty O’Rourke is far more than the stereotypical dry accountant. He is a salesman ...