2012 was a year of economic doom and gloom, with poor growth numbers and a number of EU bailout deals.
But at the start of the 2013, the Irish government sought to strike a more upbeat note as it took over the EU presidency for the next six months.
Prime Minister Enda Kenny said: “I think Ireland can send a message of hope to other countries: We’ve beaten adversity in the past and we will do so again. This country is making steady progress in very challenging waters. It leaves our economy in a fragile position and our people have shown patience in dealing with the challenges they are facing in their daily lives.”
Those views were echoed by Kenny’s deputy, Eamon Gilmore, who stressed Dublin would put jobs and growth at the top if its agenda.
Gilmore, the Irish Deputy Prime Minister, said: “Now we need to start focusing on recovery and to provide hope in Europe that jobs are going tio be created and that the people are going to have a secure future.”
Euronews spoke with leading Irish journalist Tony Connelly to weigh up the hopes and expectations for Ireland’s EU Presidency. Click on the video link above to hear what RTE News’ Europe Editor had to say.