Barroso: Ireland must continue strong bailout programme

The President of the European Council Jose Manuel Barroso has says the Irish Government must continue its "strong policy implementation" in the fight to get the country's finances back in order.

Mr Barroso met with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Brussels this morning, in advance of a wider summit on October 23.

Mr Kenny told President Barroso that Ireland is "heading in the right direction, and confidence is returning".

Mr Barroso said there has been good progress in the implementation of our bailout programme, but that must continue.