Taoiseach rules himself out of top EU job
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is ruling himself out of taking up a top job in Europe next year.
In his most definitive response on the issue yet, Mr Kenny said he would be flattered but plans to lead Fine Gael into a general election in 2016.
For weeks now there has been widespread speculation that Mr Kenny could take up the post of President of the European Commission next Spring.
The Taoiseach is a favoured candidate among the likes of German Chancellor Angela Merkel who will be one of the main decision makers in who gets the post.
The issue is expected to come up on the fringes of the European summit in Brussels today and tomorrow.
However, speaking to reporters in his pre-Christmas interview in Dublin, the Taoiseach has given the most definitive response yet to rule himself out of the position.
He said, while flattered at the speculation around him, his focus is on 2014 in Ireland which he says will be a busy one for the Coalition after the bailout.
