Noonan: People will be astounded by the good news

Final details of Ireland’s exit from the bailout by Christmas will be negotiated with the troika after the budget, Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said.

Speaking at the Fine Gael national conference in Limerick, Mr Noonan warned the budget needed to be “difficult” in order to meet the requirements for regaining national economic sovereignty.

“When the budget is concluded I plan to have consultation on our exit strategy with the IMF, the European Commission and European Central Bank,” Mr Noonan told delegates.