Kenny welcomes EU leaders' support for tax competition

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny has welcomed the European People’s Party’s support for tax competition in Europe and its confirmation that setting tax rates should remain a matter for national governments.

Mr Kenny said: "I was delighted to welcome several leading EPP members to Dublin today, including the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Belgian Prime Minister, Yves Leterme’.

"We held a wide-ranging discussion on the European economy and I am pleased that the EPP leaders have confirmed our existing polices on taxation.

"The European People’s Party fully recognises the right of the Irish people to make their own decisions on the Lisbon Treaty and I see today’s meeting as a statement of solidarity with the Irish people as we embark on what I hope will be a comprehensive, rational and honest debate over the next eight weeks."