Kenny dampens hopes of debt deal before budget

Enda Kenny has dampened expectations of a bank debt deal before the budget, saying getting the “right decision” was more important than the timing.

The Taoiseach was speaking after the president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, said Europe must keep its “promise to Ireland” on bank debt or risk losing the trust of its citizens.

The German MEP, who addressed the Dáil yesterday, said the European Council agreement in June on separating banking and sovereign debt must be honoured. “For me the conclusions for the June council are clear, there is no interpretation.”