Gilmore: Troika assessment 'not about getting gold stars'

The Government is not interested in getting a "gold star" from the Troika, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said today.

Senior officials from the European Commission, the ECB and the IMF will give their verdict on Ireland’s performance under the €85bn rescue programme later today, a year after the bailout.

Minister Gilmore said the goal was not to win favour with the Troika, but to see the country progress and the economy grow.

“It’s not about getting gold stars,” said Mr Gilmore. “As far as we are concerned, it’s another milestone on the way to recovery.

“For the first time in four years, the Irish economy is growing again.”

Sinn Féin TD Mary Lou McDonald accused the Government of caring more about pleasing the Troika overseeing the bailout than helping citizens.

Mr Gilmore urged Sinn Féin to put on a green jersey in support of Ireland.

“It would be helpful if on this occasion you were to pull on a green jersey and assist the Government,” he said.

Ms McDonald said it was perverse to ask people to do so while the Government was imposing such austere cuts to education, health and social welfare.