Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

From that point of view, times may arise when I will consult with the Deputy and the other leaders about the necessity of going away.

I put it on the record, both with President Barroso directly and with President Van Rompuy, at the meeting as part of my public statements that I did not appreciate or agree with a situation where Europe might be perceived to be drifting at the behest of one or two large countries. This is a union of 27, and they are all there with equal measure. It is part of what we have signed on for. This is reflected in many of the comments and remarks made at the meetings. People do not want a situation where a measure is pre-prepared and they are told what they must do. There must be serious discussion, negotiation and rational conversation about these issues because they affect everyone. As the Deputy is aware, those matters are profoundly important to different countries. I might say that the attitudes of Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and Germany towards governance are different than those of some other countries.

Ireland has measured up in terms of a number of troika assessments. While it is difficult and challenging for our people, we are recognised as making progress. That is all it is. We have put it very clearly on the record to the other leaders of the eurozone and the EU and we do not want to lose sight of the fact that this country still needs a lot of encouragement and assistance. It is in this area that I was happy with the flexibility given to the EFSF. For example, we can now pursue longer maturity and lower interest in terms of the Anglo debt, which would be of enormous importance in reducing the overall debt burden on our citizens here.

See this speech in context