However, banks have been warned to support viable businesses. In a wide-ranging interview with the Sunday Independent, Sibley flagged other potential issues for small Irish companies, including the lack of competition for SME lending. He described Ulster Bank’s exit as negative for the sector. “From a political perspective, there probably are some tough choices that will have to be made over time – in terms of what sectors to support, how to support them, how long that support will last. “Ulster going is definitely negative, in terms of availability and potential competition in SME lending.

Source: Irish Independent May 16, 2021 01:30 UTC