Ahern praised for push on EU wealth and jobs

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern was praised for his role in pushing the EU agenda to create more wealth and jobs in Europe at the summit of leaders in Brussels.

But workers and poverty groups contested this, saying Ireland has the highest poverty levels in the EU and should not be used as a role model for Europe's future growth.

Despite setting out an ambitious programme four years ago to make it easier to establish a business, create jobs and improve productivity, Europe is falling further behind the US.