Eurozone finance officials have been told to study what a possible Greek exit from the eurozone would mean for their economies, according to diplomats.

The eurozone crisis poses the single biggest risk to the global economy, with cutbacks in countries hardest hit by the crisis particularly vulnerable, the OECD warned.

If tax on Irish workers was increased to the EU average, the Government would not have to borrow to run the state each year, a thinktank claims.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny stood firmly behind Richard Bruton despite his gaffe that could cost the Government votes in the fiscal treaty referendum.

The dream of a Europe-wide free travel scheme for senior citizens has been shot down by Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar, who said there was no such thing as “free travel”.

All €3 billion raised from the sale of state assets will be used to fund job creation following extensive negotiations with the Troika, said Reform Minister Brendan Howlin.

The battle over how to make agriculture sustainable and environmentally friendly stepped up a gear in Brussels as ministers haggled over how to distribute a proposed €380bn over six years.

Complex plans to raise billions of euro to fund projects and create jobs have been outlined to the European Investment Bank and European Commission.

Merkollande partnership forges ahead

European texting champions, post offices on every corner, eating out so often the domestic food bills were small, and leaving school early for well-paid jobs.