Sarkozy takes aim at Ireland's corporate tax rate

The French president Nicolas Sarkozy has said Ireland cannot maintain its low corporate tax rate, while benefiting from EU financial aid.

Mr Sarkozy said that, while he deeply respects his Irish friends' independence, Ireland cannot continue to say "come and help us" while keeping a tax on company profits at half the levels imposed by other member states.

Ireland's corporate tax rate is 12.5% and is seen as key to attracting foreign investment.