The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday opened new premises for shirt manufacturers Clubman Omega in Buncrana, Co Donegal, and praised the vision and commitment of the current owners in turning the business around since the mid-1980s.

"There are so many positive things about this company. Those who manage it had a purpose, they saw where they had to go and they saw how to go about it," he said.

The chief executive officer of Clubman Omega, Mr Sean Tighe, said he wanted a clear message to go out that the clothing industry in Ireland and in Donegal could have a bright future and provide employment across a range of skills. He would like to see further development of a vigorous partnership between the Donegal clothing company and government departments and agencies.

"Together, we can eliminate any negative images surrounding the industry and we can reverse the long-term decline of the industry," he added.

Clubman Omega employs 145 people in the production of quality shirts for the middle to upper end of the market. Mr Tighe said the investment in the new premises was in the order of £1.5 million (€1.9million).

The company was bought out by a consortium of local business people in the mid-1980s after twice going into receivership.

Mr Ahern said he wanted to ensure that the benefits of the booming economy were spread out to the regions as much as possible. Retaining Objective 1 status for the region was very important, as it would allow the Government to emphasise the benefits of the region when selling it.

The Government would now try to convince the private sector of the advantages areas like Donegal had to offer. Its arguments would be underpinned by "considerably increased resources" being put into infrastructure in the area, Mr Ahern said.