The Taoiseach has hinted that Ireland may not take up a European deal on its banking debts.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said for some time that Ireland could make more money by selling its shares in AIB to a private investor, instead of going straight to the Europe.

Enda Kenny says it will be very difficult to convince 27 other countries to give us a deal - and it might make more sense to sell the bank shares instead.

Ireland is now able to make an official application for a deal to get some of its money back for the bailout of AIB and Bank of Ireland.

But the Taoiseach says the final decision will depend on whether Ireland can make money from selling AIB:

Originally posted at 8.10am