Ibec has called on any new government to build on people’s positive expectations for the economy.

The business lobby says whoever enters government after the election will need to set out “ambitious but realistic proposals to make Ireland a better place to live, work and do business”.

The group’s comment come as an Amárach survey shows 49 per cent of respondents think quality of life is set to improve further over the coming years. While a similar number (47 per cent) take pride in the Irish economic recovery, 49 per cent feel that they have made a personal contribution to that recovery.

"It is vital that the next government takes advantage of the opportunities now available," said Ibec director of policy Fergal O'Brien. First among those, the business group argues, is increased expenditure in infrastructure.

“Ireland’s level of capital expenditure is the second lowest in the EU, at a time when we have Europe’s fastest-growing population. This is not sustainable,” he said.