S&P hopeful on return to bond market

THE Government may be able to borrow on international bond markets next year at affordable rates and not require fresh bailout funding from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union, debt rating agency Standard & Poor’s argues.

The NTMA has already embarked on its first investor roadshow since the IMF/EU €85 billion bailout in December as it briefs potential investors in Government debt in Europe, China, the Far East and the US over the next four weeks.

Speaking to reporters following an address to the London Irish Business Society, S&P’s senior director Frank Gill said Ireland should be able to access bond markets in 2012 as envisaged under the EU and IMF rescue program.