Holding on the line

The public and the opposition are still waiting to hear whether the Government will be able to negotiate a better deal on our bank debt, writes political correspondent Mary Regan

DID she hang up on you?” That’s what one opposition TD demanded to know about Enda Kenny’s phonecall last Friday with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

It is a question that, as yet, remains unanswered: Has the German leader effectively slammed down the receiver on any pleas for an easing of bank debt in return for the yes vote in the EU fiscal compact referendum? Or will Ireland be able to piggyback on a possible rescue of Spanish banks with EU funds to get a better deal on our own bank debt?