The private equity investor, who for decades played a pivotal role in encouraging US investment into Ireland, believes that stability in Northern Ireland will spark a renaissance there.

"I don't see any reason why the experience of the Republic can't be reflected in Northern Ireland, " he said.

"The North is a real winner for this country. They speak the language and speak it well, they have a well-educated workforce and government that encourages transparency and freedom for the individual. That will make it an attractive place to invest."

Walsh and his wife Jane recently contributed the seed money for childrens' television programme Sesame Street to produce a version in Northern Ireland, as well as establishing a poetry corner in the name of Seamus Heaney.