Donegal North East Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConalogue has expressed grave concern at the Government’s refusal to outline details of its strategy on a renegotiation of Irish bank debt.
Deputy McConalogue was commenting after the Taoiseach Enda Kenny repeatedly refused to answer questions from the Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin about his phone call with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel last Friday.
“By passing the Stability Treaty last week we can focus energies on securing a new deal on our bank debt. However the indications now are that the Taoiseach appears to have dropped the ball. He has refused to outline any details of his conversation with Chancellor Merkel last Friday, what issues he raised with her and what her response was. People want to know has he requested a write-down of Irish bank debt, particularly in relation to the promissory note? Has he requested a restructuring of our debt?
“The Taoiseach spent the entire referendum campaign avoiding interviews and debates and refusing to address people’s concerns. Now he is avoiding answering the most basic questions about the current position on renegotiating our bank debt. The time has come for the German authorities to be told directly that either there will be a radical move on euro level involvement in sovereign bonds or the European Union will be dragged into much deeper and longer term economic crisis.
“The Irish people have made great sacrifices to help tackle our deficit problems. They now have a right to know what the Government is looking for in Europe on their behalf. We need a deal on the bank debt issue to ensure sustainability into the future. The European Union needs a different approach and the Taoiseach must insist on this. It is time for him to stop hiding and start fighting for Ireland’s interests in Europe,” said Deputy McConalogue.
Tags:
