Irish leaders meet European Parliament president

Irish leaders met European Parliament President Martin Schulz here on Thursday, as both sides agreed that Ireland's EU presidency, which is due on the first half of 2013, comes at a crucial time for Europe. During the talks, Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny and Deputy Prime Minister Eamon Gilmore stressed Irish presidency's focus on stability, jobs and growth. "I look forward to getting down to work, as a recovery country leading a recovery Europe. The preparations are nearly over," said Kenny at a press conference prior to the meeting, adding that they want to achieve three objectives, namely stability, jobs and growth. For his part, Schulz said he is confident that Ireland will meet the challenges. He also said that finalizing the euro zone banking union would be a "burden for the Irish presidency," doubting the EU summit in December would offer a solution. "I'm afraid but I must say it clearly there will be another burden for the Irish presidency because I think we will switch to January, February, March," he said.