The newly announced Apple iPad, heralded by company CEO Steve Jobs in San Francisco this morning, will have major implications for the Irish economy too. Apple’s European Headquarters is based in Cork, Ireland where it employs over 1,000 people.

It's Apple's ability to innovate its way to profit even in the midst of a worldwide recession that is such a lesson to all tech firms everywhere.

Nicknamed the "iPhone on steroids" the new iPad release date will be April 2010. With the company's fortunes going from strength to strength and with products like the iPad breaking new technological ground year after year, both Apple and Ireland can look forward to a profitable 2010.

Steve Jobs equals more jobs for Ireland. That can only be a good thing.