Creighton 'understands' Finnish PM's concerns about Irish bank debt
The Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton has said it is understandable that Finland has concerns about making Ireland a special case, when it comes to renegotiating our bailout.
But Ms Creighton said by and large there is an understanding at EU level that Ireland is unique.
It comes after the Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen dismissed Ireland's expectations on our legacy debt as "inappropriate".
Minister Creighton said there has been a clear commitment that Ireland will be considered unique when it comes to separating our past bank debt from sovereign debt, but she said she understands the Finnish leader's concerns.
Ms Creighton said: "I think we have to understand that other countries have their own concerns.
"Obviously, Finland as a creditor country of the EU, a country that is paying into the EU bailout fund, they have concerns and obligations to their own taxpayers as well.
"I think we need to understand where they are coming from, we don't need to engage in conflict, what we do need to do is understand people."
