It has to become more competitive, better integrate immigrants, reform welfare, reverse plummeting birth rates and learn to punch its weight on the world stage.

WSJ: Gareth Harding: Europe Reborn

Mr Osborne said pension, education and welfare reform was helping to make the UK a more competitive economy, while cuts to corporation tax and higher-rate tax were making the country a more attractive place to do business.

BBC: George Osborne at the World Economic Forum

These include his concerns over player welfare and Cassidy is also known to be concerned about the impact of Derry's competitive club football scene on the county side.

BBC: Cassidy tipped to succeed Crozier