Irish EU presidency

The priorities for Ireland's six month EU presidency will be to secure financial stability in the union, encourage investment in jobs and growth, and better engage with global partners. Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council, arrived in Dublin this morning and met Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore. Their discussions centred on the Irish programme and priorities for the State's stint at the helm of the union, which began at the start of this month. The plan  - entitled For Stability, Jobs and Growth - was published after a meeting at Dublin Castle. It says that securing stability will be a priority after the economic and financial crisis revealed "the weaknesses in Europe’s economic and monetary architecture".

The programme also says Ireland will assist in the task of strengthening the EU’s external policy effectiveness and coherence, and how it responds to major foreign policy and security challenges.

"We will use our Presidency in this way to enhance our contribution to the pursuit of peace, democracy and prosperity. Ireland also looks forward to representing the EU in addressing global challenges including hunger, poverty and climate change," the programme states.