State Papers: Cork Irish Steel plant's State aid package caused rift between Bruton and Major

The European Commission had recommended allowing State aid for Irish Steel together with all the EU member states excluding the UK

State files show Mr Bruton accused Mr Major of allowing his government to go along with an argument put to them by British Steel that aid for the State-owned Haulbowline steel plant (pictured) would lead to significant job losses at British Steel’s plant in Shelton near Stoke-on-Trent. Photo: Richard Mills

Taoiseach John Bruton complained to the British prime minister, John Major, in December 1995 that the British government’s plans to veto a State aid package by Ireland for the struggling Irish Steel plant in Cork could sour relations between the two countries and even impact on the Northern Ireland peace process.

State files show Mr Bruton accused Mr Major of allowing his government to go along with an argument put to them by British Steel that aid for the State-owned Haulbowline steel plant would lead to significant job losses at British Steel’s plant in Shelton near Stoke-on-Trent.