Ireland should delay ratifying treaty, says Begg

The Government should delay ratification of the fiscal treaty to allow the EU time to agree on new growth measures, the country’s most senior union leader has said.

David Begg said the Coalition needed to stand “four-square behind” French president-elect François Hollande in his bid to shift the EU’s focus from austerity to growth.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary said that, while the referendum could proceed on May 31, the Government should delay formal ratification if there is a yes vote.