IT’S DIFFICULT to separate politicians from the property industry. The exceedingly busy Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, found time last Saturday to formally open a new estate agency in his home parish of Blanchardstown.

The opening of RE/MAX Services’s new offices in the new Dublin 15 office in Superquinn Shopping Centre, on Main Street, shows that there is still business to be done, even in the present ghastly market.

Partner Peter Quinn, in welcoming the minister, spoke of an encouraging first three months in sales and lettings since they opened their doors in August.

Mr Lenihan wished the partnership of Peter Quinn and Johnny and Karl Craven well in their new venture, which, with their existing branch in Santry, means they are well placed to cover a wide slice of the city.

The minister suggested that Dublin 15 was well placed to take advantage of an upturn in trading as prices were now well down, and showing value for both first-time buyers and investors.

One of the partners, Johnny Craven, says that, with a high level of savings in the banks, people were now ready to buy. Nobody mentioned property tax.