Cowen: Little chance of deal for illegal Irish

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has admitted there is little chance of a deal for the illegal Irish in the US this year, but stressed the issue will remain a priority for his government.

Mr Cowen said there was “consistent and constant effort” being made to probe if there was “any greater give” on the matter by the US administration, but said the presidential race complicated matters. George W Bush is regarded as a lame-duck president, lacking sufficient power to get any major legislation passed, and his successor will not take office until January.

“It looks to me that in any election year it will be difficult to resolve between now and the end of the present term. It’s not being defeatist, it’s just realistic,” Mr Cowen said.