Fine Gael TD Michael Creed has urged the Government to show caution in supporting the candidacy of Christine Lagarde as the new head of the IMF. Commenting on recent reports suggesting Ireland and the EU were supporting Lagardes candidacy Deputy Creed said:
“We should be very cautious in showing support for a less than sympathetic ally in the shape of Lagarde. If we have learned anything from our recent dealings with the EU and the IMF, it is that the IMF has been a far more pragmatic and understanding partner than the ECB the EU and in particular France when it comes to finding solutions to our debt crisis”.
“By supporting Lagarde we could be welcoming a Trojan horse into the IMF, that might further exacerbate our situation. The French Governments continued insistence that we review our corporation tax rate and their refusal to review the terms of the bailout agreement can be taken as indications as to what a Lagarde lead IMF, might be like”.
“Within the EU 27 we should be seeking a candidate from the smaller nations which form the Union as opposed to cheerleading the further enhancement of the influence of the larger States”.