Bruton: I am fully behind European project

The Fine Gael Finance spokesman Richard Bruton has hit back at claims from Fianna Fáil that he's a "eurosceptic".

Mr Bruton became involved in a war of words after questioning new proposals for Europe to vet Ireland's budget before it is voted on by the Oireachtas.

Deputy Bruton fears such a move could impact on our sovereignty and on our ability to keep Corporation Tax low.

The Government strongly disagreed, but Mr Bruton insists that despite his concerns he is fully behind the European project.

Mr Bruton said: "I am certainly not a eurosceptic, I have supported the European Union at every referendum and I believe that the eurozone must be built on solid foundations.

"But there is no point in bringing in sudden rule changes if they are not going to be sustainable for the long term."