Taoiseach backs Honohan in debt negotiations

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today that he has "every faith" in the Governor of the Central Bank, Patrick Honohan, in his efforts to broker a deal with the European Central Bank (ECB) regarding Ireland's debt.

Mr Honohan was expected to raise the possibility of a postponement on paying the debt, which is due at the end of this month, with the ECB yesterday.

However, ECB chief Mario Draghi has said the Anglo debt question did not arise.

Despite reports that the ECB is showing resistance to the Anglo debt negotiations, the Taoiseach said that talks are continuing.

"Well I'm quite well aware that obviously the Central Bank is an independent organisation and is not subject to the diktat of Government," he said.

"I've every faith in the Governor of our Central Bank, Patrick Honohan, in the discussions that he's having at ECB, and obviously as those discussions evolve, together with officials, we will be briefed on the up-to-date position."