Martin: We need stronger presence in EU

IRELAND needs to beef up its presence in Brussels after allowing its influence at EU level wane during the Celtic Tiger era, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin has said.

Mr Martin said the economic boom had seen an element of “we can stand alone” develop in Ireland’s attitude towards Europe.

In what may be seen as a tacit admission that the coalition took its eye off the ball during that period, he added: “There will have to be changes at Government level in terms of how we deal with Europe.”