Kenny accused of telling a ‘porkie’

Independent TD Shane Ross accused Enda Kenny of peddling a “porkie” in the US about the growth rate of the economy in Ireland.

His accusation came as Joan Burton, the social protection minister, said Ireland would seek an orderly exit from its bailout amid claims the country may need a second one.

Mr Ross said Government claims the economy would expand by 1.3% this year, as forecast in the budget, were untrue. The troika have halved this prediction. However, Mr Ross suggested the Taoiseach was selling this “Irish story” while on a visit to the US this week.