Taoiseach prepares for first official German visit amid growing criticism

THE Taoiseach is expected to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin this week amid criticism of his slow response to the unfolding eurozone crisis.

His first official visit to Germany, planned for Wednesday, follows sustained criticism from Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, who said the Taoiseach hasn’t held a substantive meeting with a European leader since taking office.

It also comes as European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton called on Germany to “review its position” and allow the European Central Bank (ECB) to become a lender of last resort to save the euro.