Europe 'walked away' from Ireland during financial crisis

Europe “walked away” from Ireland during the financial crisis the Dáil has heard. Former Fianna Fáil junior finance minister Dara Calleary yesterday questioned whether Irish citizens would choose to remain in the EU if a referendum were to be called here.

Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Calleary said the way in which the European Commission “rammed an austerity programme” both here and in Greece was “wrong” and a remain outcome in an Irish vote would no longer be guaranteed as a result.

It comes as Taoiseach Enda Kenny strongly rejected criticism for his speaking up on behalf of Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon at this week’s EU summit meeting.