US told Ireland will not default on its bank debt

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has reiterated that Ireland “has no intention” of defaulting on its bank debt.

Speaking to Fox Business Network during his visit to New York, Mr Kenny said the Government fully recognised the scale of the challenge ahead and had no intention of defaulting.

“Ireland has no intention of defaulting. Life is a difficult thing to guarantee. We recognise the scale of the challenge we face here. That’s why there is an austerity programme. That’s why we are meeting those targets. Ireland wants to pay its way, play its part, and we want flexibility from Europe to do so,” he said.