Enda Kenny: Europe trying to bully Ireland with Apple tax ruling

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Finance Minister Michael Noonan have launched a blistering attack on Europe over its €13bn Apple tax ruling, accusing Brussels of using the scandal to create a “bridgehead” to target Ireland’s 12.5% corporation tax.

They claimed the European Commission was “bullying” Ireland in the same way it did during the bailout, as the Cabinet’s “unanimous” decision to appeal was undermined after two ministers said they still believe multinationals are not paying enough to the State.

After 72 hours of crisis talks and two Cabinet meetings, Government agreed to appeal Tuesday’s European ruling that technology giant Apple owes this country €13bn in taxes.