US TV presenter gets confused about Ireland’s sovereignty

American television host Joe Kernan should probably have done a bit of research before he interviewed head of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan about the country’s economic prospects on CNBC's 'Squawk Box'.

Kernan seemed to be a bit confused during the interview when his co-host asked Shanahan about the effect of the Euro on Ireland.

Kernan interjected: "You have pounds anyway, still?"

When corrected by Shanahan he replied: "Why do you have Euros in Ireland?"

He also seemed to be unaware that Ireland was no longer part of the United Kingdom, appearing flabbergasted when Shanahan made it clear that Ireland was a separate country.

His female co-host, perhaps sensing the farce the interview was becoming, tried to move on but Kernan cut across her saying: "It's just too confusing."

We're sorry our complicated history is so upsetting to you Joe.