Ireland and Germany are winning the race to attract post-Brexit business from London but both are running it rather differently. “I’m here to send you the regards of the federal chancellor. I am entitled to tell you we want you in Germany.” This private message from Angela Merkel, delivered by a regional politician to Wall Street bankers last year, is indicative of Germany’s subtle approach. The country has favoured this tactic, with Ms Merkel saying little if anything in public on what is a sensitive issue at home. On this occasion she relied on Volker Bouffier, prime minister of the state of Hesse where Frankfurt is located, to take her invitation to New York in November, according to three sources familiar with the discussions.

Source: The Times August 18, 2017 22:52 UTC