Germany to push for deal on growth compact

Germany has said it will push ahead with a growth compact now that Irish citizens have adopted the fiscal treaty, despite cuts and hardships which they said deserved special recognition and respect.

It was one of many reactions of welcome and relief from politicians and governments across the EU as the result of the referendum was confirmed.

The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said the result “reinforces the common course of the eurozone to create a new, lasting stability union”, and the treaty was an important step in this direction. The fact that the vote came despite “cuts and hardship for Irish people deserved special recognition and respect”.