Ex NTMA boss Somers 'surprised' by IMF arrival

The former chief executive of the NTMA has said he was taken aback by the IMF's arrival in Ireland and Ireland's subsequent bailout.

Dr Michael Somers says it was always the NTMA's objective, when he was in charge, to keep the IMF out at all costs.

His comments come as Eurozone ministers meet in Brussels to try to reach agreement on strengthening up the European Financial Stability Fund.

Speaking about our bailout, Dr Somers said he believed the European Central Bank bounced Ireland into the bailout and we were left with no other choice.