Kenny vows to make deficit target by 2015

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said there is still a long way to go in Ireland's economic recovery.

Mr Kenny has told the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Cork that he is the eternal optimist about the progress that can be made and believes in positive thinking.

The Taoiseach is also adamant Ireland will cut the deficit to 3% by 2015.

Mr Kenny said: "We are beginning to get our public finances in order, we are working with our EU partners to make sure the programme operates in a way which facilitates early return to the markets, including the level of interest rate being charged.

"We have taken action to reduce our fiscal deficit and we will continue on this pass to make the target of a 3% deficit by 2015."