Kenny refuses offers to meet Sarkozy

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny confirmed he has so far refused offers to meet French president Nicolas Sarkozy who is blocking a reduction of the interest rate on Ireland’s bailout.

Mr Kenny said he will meet him “in due course” but appeared in no rush to do so, despite France holding up any progress on securing a cheaper deal for taxpayers.

Responding to reports that senior French officials were “amazed” he had not travelled to Paris to discuss the interest rate issue, Mr Kenny confirmed that he had been asked.