On current form, economists such as Esmond Birnie of PricewaterhouseCoopers, a consulting firm, expect lacklustre economic growth at best.

ECONOMIST: Northern Ireland's economy

"We could launch ourselves, " said Esmond Kensington, a non-executive director of Revolymer, estimating that the product could be available in early 2009.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Dr Esmond Birnie, PricewaterhouseCooper's (PwC) chief economist in Northern Ireland said that, despite unemployment creeping up, some new employment was being created.

BBC: Northern Ireland unemployment figures stand at 8.2%

The 32-year-old was dismissed after head-butting Hayes and Yeading defender Esmond James in a 2-0 defeat in November and underwent club action as well as a three-match ban.

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PwC's chief economist in Northern Ireland, Dr Esmond Birnie, said that in terms of its attractiveness to foreign investment, Northern Ireland already performed relatively well in terms of employment creation.

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