Europe should thank Ireland - European Parliament President
The President of the European Parliament said the EU owes Ireland thanks.
Martin Schulz said Ireland made tough sacrifices for the entire continent in the way it responded to the banking crisis.
And he said nobody in Europe should be under any illusions about the struggles Irish people have faced over the last six years.
"What Ireland did with a lot of sacrifices for people in this country, were sacrifices from which we all in Europe had a profit," he said.
"And that, for the European Union, should be grateful to Irish people."
Mr Schulz is campaigning in Ireland this morning on behalf of Labour candidates in the European elections.
