LOOK who is suddenly directing British government policy — none other than a bunch of “fruit cakes, loonies, and closet racists”, to use David Cameron’s words.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has issued a strong warning to Britain that it will not be allowed to become a semi-detached member of the EU.

The UK's Chancellor George Osborne has raised the prospect that Britain could leave the European Union unless there is change in Brussels.

European Union chiefs reacted with shock after Barack Obama said he would not attend a EU-US summit in May.