Harney says Cork Ispat jobs are priority

The Tanaiste has said her first priority in meeting the owners of Irish Ispat in London is to see the jobs and business in Cork maintained.

Speaking ahead of her departure, Mary Harney said she "wants to get a sense of what their perspective is" during the discussions.

She added that enormous progress had been made during talks between unions and management at the Cork plant.

Kevin Foley from the LRC, who chaired the meetings, would be accompanying her to London.