THE TAOISEACH said his meeting with the British prime minister on Monday was not “a major diplomatic onslaught”.

Enda Kenny said it had taken place as a result of an invitation to him when he met David Cameron in Brussels.

“It was part of a presentation of regular contact and communication between the British prime minister and the Taoiseach here, which is important for both countries and the keeping of good relations and all of that,” said Mr Kenny.

He said Mr Cameron and himself had discussed “movement in Europe”, and the prime minister had been supportive of decisions made by the Government.

Mr Kenny said a reduction in the interest rate on the EU-IMF bailout was being pursued from a European perspective.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he was surprised there was no discussion on enlisting support for the terms of the bailout. This reflected a change in tone, attitude and approach on Mr Kenny’s part. “It is a direct reversal of the position you adopted some months ago.”