Keeping track of the deficit goalposts

The opposition parties will try to make the very most of Enda Kenny’s treaty change dilemma, writes Juno McEnroe

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has a new headache. Not only is opposition mounting to EU control and austerity measures driven by Brussels and Frankfurt, but changes under another European referendum on the horizon will deeply divide opinion here.

Britain’s decision to veto treaty changes at last week’s summit is worrying for Ireland, the Taoiseach has already signalled. But imagine if Mr Kenny and his government were to lose any referendum vote on proposed changes to strengthen the stability of the euro. Ireland would neither be with Britain or the majority of the EU members but more isolated than ever.