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Kenny did not discuss loan rate with Cameron

Cameron & Kenny - Met for talks at Downing Street this afternoon
Cameron & Kenny - Met for talks at Downing Street this afternoon

The Taoiseach has said that a cut in the interest rate on Britain's bilateral loan to Ireland was not discussed in any detail during his meeting with David Cameron.

Enda Kenny held his first full meeting with the British Prime Minister at Downing Street this afternoon.

Mr Kenny said that Ireland was grateful to receive the British loan and Mr Cameron was very supportive of the Irish position in Europe.

However, the Taoiseach said that Britain's €3bn contribution to Ireland's bailout was not discussed in detail today.

Mr Kenny said that he had told the Prime Minister that the vast majority of the Irish people would welcome the visit by Queen Elizabeth to Ireland next month.

He said he thought the itinerary and planning for the visit was well thought out and very sensitive.

The Taoiseach told Mr Cameron that there may be a small measure of protest because the visit coincided with the anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974.

However, Mr Kenny added he had not asked the prime minister to publish any further documents relating to the bombings.

The Taoiseach said that trade, social and business links between the two countries were also raised during the half-hour meeting.

Mr Kenny said Ireland wanted to rebuild connections with its colleagues in Europe, particularly with Britain.

Cameron promises to work closely with Kenny

Mr Cameron pledged to work 'extremely closely' with Ireland as the two nations battle to rebalance their finances.

Mr Cameron said: 'It's great to have the Taoiseach here. Enda Kenny and I will work extremely closely, I think we have a lot of closely-shared interests.

'Obviously, with the economic situations in both our countries we need to work together very closely.

'We're both facing a situation where we need to see our economies grow, we're dealing with deficits and debt. I admire very much the decisions you are having to take in your country.'

Speaking this afternoon at an event organised by the Bloomberg business news service, Mr Kenny said the relationship with Britain is one which he values, prioritises and intends to develop.

He said that the relationship between Britain and Ireland is one of mutual respect, trust, opportunity, 'friendship and support - including financial support'.

He said his Government will take 'hard and tough' decisions with 'courage' and 'fairness'.

Mr Cameron invited the Taoiseach to Downing Street shortly after he was elected in February.

The two leaders have spoken informally since then in the margins of EU meetings and on the phone following the murder of PSNI constable Ronan Kerr.

Mr Kenny also met representatives of London's Irish community.