Ireland launches charm offensive amid debt deal doubt

The Government is to launch an “urgent diplomatic offensive” to try to salvage Ireland’s lifeline bank debt deal.

Uncertainty over implementation of a breakthrough agreement hammered out in principle by EU leaders in June erupted after the German, Dutch, and Finnish finance ministers insisted on major changes.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan moved to calm fears by insisting the European Commission was standing over the June deal, and the remarks of the three countries — branded the Triple-A Trio due to their top-notch credit ratings — did not supersede that.