TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny has refused to be drawn on his preferred date for a referendum on the fiscal stability pact. Speaking yesterday in New York, Mr Kenny said the decision on a date would be made “as a Government” and announced thereafter.
Asked about Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton’s indication that the referendum would take place in late May/early June or late June/early July, Mr Kenny said the Government did not want the issue to drag on.
However, first legislation had to be introduced and a referendum commission established. A timescale was needed in which people could be given full, thorough and comprehensive information on what was involved.
Mr Kenny was speaking to reporters at the stock exchange where he rang the opening bell to mark Ireland Day on Wall Street.
The Government’s work to repair the economy was paying dividends, he said. There was still a long way to go but confidence was returning in our economic prospects.
Mr Kenny predicted his US trip would ensure a continuation in the same line of investment in Ireland that has seen many big American corporations make job announcements in the past year.
“That’s where the beef is, but it only happens with clarity and decisiveness from Government about where we’re headed,” he said.
Mr Kenny dismissed as “speculative” reports that a property tax could be introduced from the start of next year as a successor to the household charge.
According to the Taoiseach, the specialist group set up by the Department of Environment has yet to report. But when it does the Government will assess its recommendations and make a decision.
Speaking last night at a gala dinner of the American Irish Fund in Washington DC, Mr Kenny said Ireland was making steady progress.
“The Government has made a solid start. Our economy is growing. Deposits are flowing back into our banks. Exports are thriving.”
All around the world, Mr Kenny said, people were thinking not of the “transient difficulty” from which Ireland was emerging, but of our essence, “of our immutable and untouchable wealth, our warmth, our friendship, our culture, our history”.
“I lead a determined Government; determined to succeed, determined to reassert Ireland’s place in the world . . . to offer the Irish people new opportunities.”
Mr Kenny expressed his appreciation for the work done by the fund in assisting progress in Northern Ireland.
“While the threat of dissident violence is never completely removed, we are nonetheless firmly on a pathway from peace to prosperity.”
He also praised the North’s First Minister, Peter Robinson, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who were present, for the leadership and unity they were showing to all sectors of society in the North.
