Noonan warns against reform fatigue

Finance Minister Michael Noonan warned against the dangers of reform fatigue but said the eurozone must plough ahead with fiscal consolidation and measures to improve competitiveness.

Speaking at an event in European Union House in Dublin last night, Mr Noonan said that there is a real risk that eurosceptic parties will make considerable gains in the forthcoming European Parliament elections as unpopular tax hikes and spending cuts increased social and political unrest in some countries.

“Nevertheless, I believe that the majority of EU citizens want to build a stronger Europe, and that the centrist pro-EU parties stand to maintain the majority of seats in the European Parliament,” he said.