Hopes are high for a deal on Ireland and Portugal's bailout debt at a meeting of EU Finance Ministers in Dublin.

EU President Herman Van Rompuy's expressed hope that the Union's 27 leaders can tonight add to a good week, that began with picking up the Nobel Peace Prize.

GERMANY’S finance minister has made a blistering attack on Ireland’s low corporate tax rate and accused the country of using EU money to fund unfair competition.

THE de facto smashing of the stability and growth pact early yesterday morning will result in a rise in interest rates as the European Central Bank (ECB) warned of serious dangers following the move.