Kenny to meet EU leaders in Brussels

Taoiseach Enda Kenny meets EU leaders in Brussels today promising to raise Ireland's case for a cheaper bailout deal - if he gets the opportunity.

While today's meeting of the European Council will focus on the Greek debt crisis, with pressure mounting on Athens to pass stringent austerity measures in return for their second bailout, the Taoiseach says he will raise Ireland's case for a cut in the interest rate in the EU portion of the bailout deal if there is an opportunity to do so.

Mr Kenny has promised to make it clear to his EU counterparts he believes that it is unfair Ireland is not being granted an interest rate cut on our EU/IMF loans - because of the narrow interests of France and Germany.

The meeting will consider the latest developments in Greece, with leaders anxious to hear if the Greek government get the tough cuts and tax hikes agreed by the cabinet this week.

The measures are essential in securing the agreement of EU leaders for the release of a second round of emergency funds to keep the country from bankruptcy.

But Mr Kenny - whom critics have accused of inaction and a 'hands-off' attitude to Ireland's problems - will also be under pressure to trouble his EU counterparts to turn their attention towards helping Ireland.

A Government spokesman said talks will allow leaders to discuss progress on economic issues over the last three months.

“The meeting will consider the latest developments on economic issues and the euro, and take stock of the progress made on a range of economic governance issues agreed in March,” the spokesman said.

Migration into the European Union from third world countries, as well as the ongoing situations in Libya and Syria, will also be on today's agenda.

European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton today said that although Ireland is not the main focus of discussions at today's meeting, efforts will be made to raise our issues.

Minister Creighton said that when it comes to pressing Ireland's case, timing is important and that while securing a cut in our bailout interest rate will not be easy, she remains confident it can be achieved this summer.

"There has to be full agreement from all member states to the reduction in the price of Ireland's loans," she said.

"That requires us changing the position of the French, and that is not something that is going to happen easily."

However, she said, "we are using all of our diplomatic efforts and all of our ministerial contacts to ensure that it does happen."

A spokesperson for the European Economics Commissioner Olli Rehn said the Commission still backs Ireland's case for an interest rate reduction - but it just can't happen yet.

"Unfortunately the situation hasn't changed," Amadeu Altafaj Tardio said.

"This decision is in the hands of the member states. The Commission's position is very clear - we are in favour of a reduction of the interest rate.

"But it requires unanimity of the countries participating in the bailout, and we do not have that unanimity yet."