Ireland will not require a second bailout package, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said.
Mr Kenny was in London for talks today with British prime minister David Cameron.
He acknowledged the country faced “very significant economic challenges” but insisted that it was starting to see “positive results” from its austerity programme.
Speaking after Downing Street talks with Mr Cameron, the Taoiseach said the meeting had been “very cordial, very friendly”.
He said the pair agreed to meet again to discuss closer economic ties, insisting trade between Britain and Ireland was “absolutely fundamental” to both nations.
Mr Cameron reiterated his commitment to being a “central player” in Europe and the leaders will work together on ideas for putting growth at the heart of all EU decisions, Mr Kenny said.
He added: “We discussed the question of the single market, which David Cameron has been very strong about at his meetings in Brussels over the past period.
“What we agreed to do here was that, as distinct from the inter-governmental discussions that are going on about fiscal discipline and the treaty, that in regard to the single market that we would work on a series of ideas about putting growth central to the decisions Europe takes, be they directives or be they regulation.
“The prime minister reiterated his belief and commitment to being a central player in the European Union and it is important for the European Union that Britain be a central player and be seen to be a central player.”
Mr Kenny also raised the British government’s decision not launch a public inquiry into security force collusion in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
Mr Finucane’s widow Geraldine has launched a legal challenge over the decision and a judicial review will be held tomorrow.
The Taoiseach said: “I raised the question of the Finucane case with the prime minister. Clearly we have a difference of opinion here.”
Speaking at an event in London’s Canary Wharf earlier, Mr Kenny acknowledged that the Europe was not yet at a point where market confidence in the euro had been restored.
“We must ensure that more binding, durable and enforceable fiscal rules go hand-in-hand with funding certainty for countries pursuing sound and sustainable economic policies,” said the Taoiseach.
“We need to keep pushing forward towards a comprehensive solution to the challenges of the euro zone.
“And beyond that, we absolutely must start creating the conditions and environment for a return to economic growth and job creation across the Union.
“Public confidence in, and support for, the euro - and indeed the European Union - will ultimately be determined by how well we deliver on growth and jobs, rather than on institutional wrangling and complex legal or technical negotiations.
