Contingency plan urged in case Greece exits euro

Irish finance officials have been told to come up with a contingency plan in case Greece exits the eurozone, according to diplomats.

It came as the National Treasury Management Agency said a no vote in next week’s referendum would mean “in all likelihood” that Ireland would not be able to return to the bond markets next year.

EU leaders meeting in Brussels last night discussed the growing crisis in Greece as the country waited for a second general election next month, and the euro fell to a 22-month low.