Taoiseach: No plans for second referendum

The Taoiseach has said the people of Ireland will not be asked to vote on the EU fiscal treaty for a second time.

Enda Kenny made the comments during a speech to the European People's Party - which is meeting in Killarney, County Kerry.

The government has been attempting to limit the damage caused by comments made by the jobs minister Richard Bruton when he suggested that the referendum could be re-run if the Irish people vote No.

Minister Bruton later retracted the remarks - and this morning Kenny said there would be no second referendum.

"At the end of this month, as you know at the 31st of May, in accordance with the fiscal stability treaty, Ireland will have another opportunity to take a step towards economic recovery when our people cast their vote.

"This is a crucial decision for this country's future but also for Europe's future, one they won't be asked to vote upon a second time. "