Ireland Holds First Meetings Of EU Presidency

Ireland has taken over the presidency of the European Union, with a pledge to focus on "stability, growth and jobs".

The rotating presidency of the 27-member bloc lasts six months - Ireland last held the position in 2004.

At a ceremony in Dublin Castle marking the 40th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the EU, the Irish and EU flags were raised and Taoiseach Enda Kenny promised Ireland would help drive recovery.

"We'll be in the business of solutions - a recovery country driving recovery in Europe," he said.

He said the presidency would also bring "new hope, new possibility, new confidence to our peoples."

Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said banking union and trade would be central issues to be addressed.

"2013 will be about recovery, both for Ireland and Europe. As we become the first country in the euro zone to exit an EU-IMF program, Ireland can and will be a success story for Europe again."

Senior EU officials said they held out hope that Ireland's term in charge could make a difference.

European Commission Secretary General Catherine Day said: "People look for a particular Irish style of efficiency and drive and at the same time, respect for all member states - being small.

"And I think the Irish presidency can actually make a difference to the growth agenda."

She said various proposals on the table at council and parliament level needed a push.

"I think that's where the Irish presidency of different councils and the Irish interaction in its presidency with the European parliament can actually try to build a momentum and a feeling that yes, we're coming out of the crisis, yes we can return," she said.

There are concerns in Ireland that EU matters will distract from domestic concerns, and also over the administration costs.

Europe Minister Lucinda Creighton said it would be a "no nonsense, no frills" presidency and said the cost was an investment in Ireland's reputation.

She said costs would be kept to one third of what it cost last time around, with events being held away from salubrious venues like Dromoland Castle, and held in State-owned buildings mostly in Dublin instead.