Michael Lalor - Portlaoise Construction,  An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD, Pat Enright  - EMCO and Pat Flanagan - Owenass Developments campaigned vigorously for a yes vote to Lisbon.

Pictured at Laois Chamber Election Special "On Laois The Answer" Séan Fleming T.D., Pat Enright - E.M.C.O., Cllr Brian Stanley, Margaret Ryan - C.E.O. Laois Chamber, Mary Wilson - RTE, Charlie Flanagan T.D. & Minister John Moloney T.D. - Minister of State.

An Tanaiste Brian Cowen TD - Minister for Finance & Pat Enright - Chamber Vice President & Director of EMCO

Peter Malone – Chairman of the National Roads Authority gave a positive ‘food for thought’ talk on the future of Portlaoise which he christened the new ‘capital’ of Ireland. Mr. Malone strongly supported Public Private Partnerships - PPP’s as the way forward to economic development and he urged the Chamber of Commerce and the County Council to work closely in the development of the county. Mr. Malone was delighted to be guest at the Chamber Business Lunch which was the last official function of the President Jenny Kent who is a member of the Board of the  National Roads Authority. The Chamber Executive, County Manager and Council Officials met briefly after the luncheon and agreed to immediately begin the process of establishing a Economic Development Task Group. Pat Enright - EMCO Construction Consultants, Michael O’Hora - Senior Executive Engineer, Ian McCormack - Senior Executive Officer, Jenny Kent - Chamber President,  Peter Malone – Chairman of the National Roads Authority,  Cllr. John Moran - Cathaoirleach and Peter Carey - County Manager, Laois County Council.

Cathaoirleach Laois County Council- Tom Jacob MCC, Margaret Ryan - CEO Laois Chamber, Peter Carey - County Manager & Pat Enright

Pat Enright, Minister John Moloney T.D. and Margaret Ryan CEO Laois Chamber.