Kenny plans to address nation ahead of budget

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has announced that he intends to make a state of the nation-style address on TV before the budget to inform people of the position of the country’s finances.

The Government has come under fire in recent days over the repayment of $1 billion to Anglo bondholders and in light of Greece’s intention to hold a referendum on its latest bailout deal.

Failure to repay what amounts to €715 million would open a “second front” on the euro which “could bring the whole thing down”, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan said yesterday.