There were sharp exchanges between the Taoiseach and the Fianna Fáil leader in the Dáil today on Ireland’s reputation in Europe.
Enda Kenny claimed that he had discovered that Ireland’s relationship with its European partners was “nothing short of disgraceful” and the Government was working to rebuild it.
He added: “The reason was that ministers in the last government did not attend the meetings they were supposed to attend.
“When they did speak, if they spoke, they spoke only on a narrow confined basis about elements of this country and had no contribution to make on the broader context of Europe.”
Micheál Martin said the Taoiseach’s assertion was “most reprehensible” in terms of ministers in the former government.
“It is a low charge that has no substance, and you should withdraw it,” he added.
Earlier, Mr Martin urged Mr Kenny to end his “hands off” policy and arrange to meet face-to-face the leaders standing in the way of delivering the better terms everyone agreed were required and needed.
Mr Martin said that last February all of Ireland’s European partners agreed to change the State’s financial support package to make it more sustainable.
This was officially confirmed at the euro zone summit which Mr Kenny had attended three months ago.
“Since then, there has been no progress and things have been going backwards,” he added.
The Dáil has also heard tributes to the late Brian Lenihan, followed by a minute’s silence.
Mr Kenny said no words of his could adequately deal with the Lenihan family’s sense of loss, adding that the former minister for finance had exhibited a great sense of humanity.
Mr Martin said Mr Lenihan had brought “credit and distinction to his country”.