But Ireland's jump into the European Union, along with aggressively pro-business economic policies, changed all that.
He was especially known for his pro-business economic policies.
What support Ahidjo did enjoy among the Bamileke largely came from his pro-business policies.
Our pro-jobs, pro-business policies helped produce the city's first substantial private-sector job growth since 1987.
Since colonial rule ended in 1959 the government has consistently adopted strong pro-business policies that have fostered rapid economic growth and infrastructural development.
Some liberal Democrats blame the pro-business policies that he has overseen for hurting their party in last month's elections.
A significant portion of the electorate appeared to support the AP's emphasis on law and order as well as its pro-business policies.
Simpson also supports an agenda of low taxes and pro-business policies.
The right "mobilizes voters with explosive social issues, summoning public outrage which it then marries to pro-business economic policies.
He especially opposed concentrated power in large companies, and criticized the Republican administrations for their pro-business policies.