BRUSSELS: The EU's top economic official Olli Rehn said on Monday that Ireland could find "room for maneouvre" on bailout repayment terms and conditions, just not for its 2011 commitments.
"It is essential to respect the plan... especially for 2011," said EU commissioner for economic affairs Rehn of the international agreement for a 67.5-billion-euro bailout signed in December with the EU and the International Monetary Fund.
"But concerning the outer years, there is more room for manoeuvre," he admitted.
The Finn was speaking on arrival for discussions between ministers of the 17 eurozone countries in Brussels, due to broaden out to include all 27 European Union states in evening talks on future rescue funding.
Referring to the formula governing interest rates charged of Ireland at the time loans are provided, Rehn said:
"If there will be any changes to the pricing policy, which I support and the commission supports, it will take place for overall European reasons, not specifically because of electoral statements in Ireland."
Ireland's main opposition leader, Enda Kenny, was due to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel Monday outlining his intention -- if elected in February 25 elections -- "to seek changes to the content and cost of the EU/IMF bailout deal for Ireland."
Merkel and other top EU leaders would like Ireland to raise its 12.5 percent corporation tax rate, which they see as an unfair incentive to companies looking to relocate.
Greece is also trying to renegotiate its repayments schedule.
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