Noonan seeks to woo French support on bailout

FINANCE Minister Michael Noonan yesterday brought his battle to win French backing to improve the country’s rescue fund to Paris, which is still demanding changes to the corporation tax rate.

He had an intense 30-minute meeting with French finance minister Christine Lagarde shortly after she announced her intention to seek the job of IMF president, replacing Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is awaiting trial on sex charges in New York.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government has not yet discussed Mr Lagarde’s candidacy. “From a general point of view, I would like to see a European in charge of the IMF, with an understanding of what the European challenge is,” said Mr Kenny