Kenny: ‘We need to know there is progress’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the country needs to know there is progress in recovering from the financial crisis as Ireland prepares to host the EU presidency.

Mr Kenny made the call as ministers, ambassadors and dignitaries gathered in Dublin for the launch of Ireland’s seventh EU presidency, which begins today.

Launching the six-month term, he said Europe was working hard to move beyond the economic crisis. But he sounded a note of caution, saying the Irish people expected results as the country took on the role as lead country for other EU members in 2013.