Twitter's decision to locate its international headquarters in Dublin is good news for Ireland and the Irish economy, Independent MEP Marian Harkin said today (27 September).

Speaking from the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg, Harkin noted that the US social media giant's move to Dublin "once again underlines the crucial importance of holding on to our 12.5% corporation tax. Without a doubt this played an important role in attracting Twitter. Allied with the fact that the American computer games maker Electric Arts will increase its workforce in Galway there is some reason to be optimistic about the continuation of high levels of Foreign Direct Investment in Ireland".

The Ireland North & West MEP added that "while the overall economic situation is grave we must celebrate good news when it comes and these developments not only provide employment but also increase confidence in the Irish economy".

"It is also worth noting that the UK lobbied hard to have Twitter locate there but Ireland was ultimately successful. According to a story on this subject by The Times newspaper, 'there was a Scotchman, an Englishman, and an Irishman - only one of them is laughing,'" Harkin concluded.