‘I did not in any way meddle in Irish domestic affairs’

NICOLAS Sarkozy yesterday accepted Ireland needed time to find a solution to the Lisbon crisis in what appeared to be a significant climb-down.

Just last week, Mr Sarkozy reportedly told his party that Ireland would have to hold a second referendum.

At a joint press conference with Taoiseach Brian Cowen at Government Buildings, however, Mr Sarkozy denied saying Ireland would have to vote again.