Irish opposition to bailout

13/12/10 14:30 CET

economy

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Ireland’s main opposition party, Fine Gael, has confirmed it will oppose Wednesday’s parliamentary vote to approve an EU/IMF bailout.

However that is unlikely to affect the Dublin government’s chances of passing the deal.

A senior party member said that if it comes to power in elections due to be held next year, Fine Gael would want to renegotiate the 85 billion euros rescue package to get a lower interest rate.

Two independent MPs who usually prop up the government’s slim majority have said they will vote for the rescue package. A third independent MP is also reported to be going to support it.

The IMF’s board will vote on its portion of the bailout – worth 22.5 billion euros – on Thursday, provided the Irish parliament approves the package.

More about: Economy, Financial Crisis, Ireland

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