Irish PM urges Britain to join single currency
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, yesterday urged the British Government to join the European single currency, in a move that will put pressure on Tony Blair to clarify his policy ahead of a general election.
The Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, yesterday urged the British Government to join the European single currency, in a move that will put pressure on Tony Blair to clarify his policy ahead of a general election.
Mr Ahern said the benefits of membership of the euro would outweigh the "short-term difficulties" posed by the weakness of the currency.
He said: "Ireland would clearly benefit from British participation and I remain convinced the positive impact of the euro in further strengthening the single market will become clearer over the medium term."
Speaking at the national conference of the Confederation of British Industry in Birmingham, Mr Ahern added: "This decision is obviously a matter for the British people alone."
The public intervention by the Irish leader is likely to re-ignite a troublesome political issue that the Government has kept under wraps while dealing with the recent floods chaos.
The Government's official policy is to join in principle but that the timing is subject to five economic tests and winning a referendum, probably in the next Parliament.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments