Govt 'told Troika to butt out' of Irish politics

It is claimed today that Troika inspectors were told to "butt out" of Irish politics by officials during their latest visit.

According to the Irish Times, a heated discussion happened at the Department of Finance after a source close to the European Commission was quoted in newspapers, outlining concerns about the revised water charges scheme.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has reportedly put his thoughts on those concerns in writing, in a letter to an EU Commissioner.

Arthur Beesley, the Economics Editor with the Irish Times, says there were differing views on what the Troika's latest visit was all about.

He said: "Now, the sense in the Government is that the Troika was here simply to assess the Government's capacity to repay huge bailout loans received over the course of the rescue.

"That really at the level of the Troika, that there should be no interference in policy matters.

"That is not however how it was seen on the other side of the table."