Ireland To Continue Close Work With UK - Kenny

Ireland will continue to work closely with the UK despite its Prime Minister's veto decision, according to Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

During a speech to the Dáil on Wednesday on about the European Council, the Taoiseach described David Cameron's decision to veto the crucial European plan as a "disappointing development", but said it was "clearly for Prime Minister Cameron to decide" how best to advance and defend the UK’s interests.

Mr Kenny said he was conscious the UK was Ireland's closest neighbour and very often its staunchest ally at the European table that will now be missing from these important debates.

"We will, of course, continue to work as closely with the UK as we have ever done – our relationship is deep and wide, based on important common interests across a range of EU policy matters," Mr Kenny said.

The Taoiseach also told the Dáil he had set out Ireland’s priorities in a meeting with European Council President Herman Von Rompuy in advance of the Council meeting asking for decisions to stabilize the Eurozone through stronger firewalls and new rules, and Ireland's intention to pursue the application of financial instruments that did not exist at the time of the initial recapitalisation of the Irish banks.

"I am satisfied that progress was made on each of these issues," Mr Kenny said.

(DW)