David McCloy Watson

[1] Watson's career and the growth of his firm were influenced by the gradual development of the economy after Ireland's independence.

[5] It was during these years that Watson made his most public contribution to the development of the accountancy profession in Ireland and to reform of the economy.

In 1954 Watson was amongst five Institute members who gave evidence to an official committee investigating industrial taxation.

They recommended a change in emphasis from direct to indirect taxation including the introduction of a general sales tax.

Almost all of their recommendations were accepted although their dislike of a system of Pay As You Earn for collecting income tax did not prevent its introduction.

annual general meeting of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland in 1960, Watson had warned of the urgent need to reform Irish company law and regretted the delay in the implementation of the recommendations of the Company Law Commission of 1958 (which Watson had helped shape).

[10] Writing of him not long after his death, a former colleague described him as having had 'a most outstanding career in his profession' and that 'he brought to everything he did acumen, appreciation and, above all, integrity.