Vote on treaty ‘puts it up to Brussels’

The referendum on the fiscal compact treaty “puts it up to Brussels” to grant Ireland a cheaper deal on the Anglo bailout, a senior minister has said.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny yesterday confirmed that the Government would hold a referendum on the treaty following legal advice from the Attorney General.

It comes as the Coalition continues its efforts to secure a deal from the EU and ECB on a cheaper alternative to the promissory note system funding the Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide bailout.