It’s a complex bit of history, but I felt the reporting of success and celebration was a bit off. But maybe it suits some politicians to revel in a story about workers winning against management.

The really interesting aspect of the story was the implied attempt by NI to “poach” an international company from Scotland. Grants to develop businesses in deprived areas are commonplace, and should be more controversial.

I remember my father’s business having problems competing with companies manufacturing similar products; companies that were supported by government and EU grants and tax breaks because of where they were located.

There has been a recent controversy over tax breaks for computer games companies in Scotland; I feel uneasy about the distorting effect of government support for industry.

(Of course nowadays, with all the cuts, there isn’t the money for grants or tax breaks…)