Irish PM warning in nation address

Greece and Italy have rolled out tough austerity measures now in a historic national address, Ireland's Prime Minister warned the Irish nation of tough times ahead.
(SOUNDBITE) IRISH PRIME MINISTER (TAOISEACH), ENDA KENNY, SAYING (English):
"I wish I could tell you that the budget won't impact on every citizen in need but I can't. Difficult choices are never easy but we will invest in crucial projects like the National Children's Hospital, school buildings and health centres."
Enda Kenny made the televised address, the first by a prime minister since 1986 as concerns over the economy grew.
Ireland's government will unveil on Monday what it hopes will be the toughest budget of its five-year term.
Kenny has pledged to get Ireland's budget deficit under the EU limit of three percent of GDP by 2015.
But said recovery was also dependent upon EU leaders implementing decisions to resolve the debt crisis.
(SOUNDBITE) IRISH PRIME MINISTER (TAOISEACH), ENDA KENNY, SAYING(English):
"Let me be very clear; Ireland supports stronger economic governance throughout Europe and particular in the eurozone. In fact, the Irish people are paying the price now for the absence of such rules in the past. European leaders must make and - more importantly this time must implement - clear decisions this week to prove our shared determination to protect our currency. Otherwise international confidence and investment in Europe will continue to fall."
But with Europe in danger of tipping back into recession, Kenny may be forced to push through even harsher budgets in 2013 if the country does not meet its EU-IMF goals.
Marie-Claire Fennessy, Reuters