Kenny tight-lipped on EU poll

The Taoiseach has refused to be drawn on his preferred date for a referendum on the fiscal stability pact.

Speaking in New York, Mr Kenny said the decision on a date would be made “as a Government” and announced in due course.

Asked about Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton’s indication that the referendum would take place in late May or early June or in the latter part of June or early in July, Mr Kenny said the Government did not want the issue to drag on.

However, he said legislation had to be introduced and a Referendum Commission set up before it could be held. 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 Ireland’s economic prospects, he insisted.

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.”

Mr Kenny dismissed reports that a property tax could be introduced from the start of next year as a successor to the household charge as “speculative”.

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.

He is attending for two events tonight in Washington DC hosted by Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland. This evening, he is honorary chair at the gala dinner of the American Ireland Fund, which has raised $90 million for Irish charities.

The traditional presentation of a bowl of shamrock to US president Barack Obama takes place tomorrow at the White House.

Among the dignitaries attending the bell-ringing ceremony were Digicel’s Denis O’Brien, US Congressman Richard Neal; Tony O'Reilly of Providence Resources; Barry O' Leary of the IDA; Kieran McLoughlin of the American Ireland Fund and Munster and Ireland rugby star Alan Quinlan.

Mr Kenny arrived in New York yesterday from South Bend, Indiana, where he attended a dinner with staff and students at Notre Dame, the leading Catholic university in the US.

The Taoiseach attended the St Patrick’s Day parade in Chicago for the first time this year, and used the occasion to repeat his mantra that Ireland is “open for business”.

In a speech to Irish Americans the previous night, Mr Kenny invited Irish emigrants to come home next year to help Ireland build its new, post-bailout world.