Eurocrats welcome passing of Fiscal Treaty

Ireland’s backing for Europe’s fiscal pact eased stress levels in Brussels today, with eurocrats welcoming a glimmer of good news in the midst of gathering economic gloom.

Although an Irish No would not have derailed the new pact – only 12 out of 17 eurozone countries need to ratify it – it would have been seen as a thumbs down to the EU and a boost to eurosceptics.