CHARLIE MCCREEVY has never baulked at taking on the role of David when faced with a Goliath – whether the giant be party leader, the EU or a powerful German Commissioner.

TURKEY cleared another hurdle in its application for EU membership in Brussels yesterday after giving undertakings to introduce a bill containing new laws criminalising people trafficking, genocide, virginity tests and honour killings.

TURKEY’S bid to join the EU was in crisis last night as the European Commission warned that proposed penal reforms must be adopted by the government.