Sarkozy returns to France after brief Irish visit

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has returned home following his brief but controversial visit to Ireland yesterday.

During meetings with the Taoiseach, opposition leaders and campaigners from the Yes and No side in the Lisbon Treaty debate, Mr Sarkozy said there was no miracle solution to the situation created by Ireland's rejection of the treaty.

He said he accepted that a solution could not be found by the time the French EU Presidency ends in December.

He also denied that he told French MPs last week that Ireland had no choice but to hold a second referendum.

The Government says it is confident Mr Sarkozy left for home with a full understanding of the difficulties facing the Taoiseach.