Ireland's minister for European affairs has insisted his government is not to blame for the debt crisis which continues to rock the euro zone, instead pointing the finger at the markets.
Dick Roche told Jeff Randall Live the European Union and International Monetary Fund had welcomed the "extraordinary measures" Ireland had taken in trying to repair its finances.
His comments came ahead of a visit from EU and IMF delegates, who are working with Dublin to determine the best way of propping up Ireland's banking sector.
Mr Roche continued to deny that the mission's purpose was to bail out the Irish economy.
"Let me take issue with you on the word 'bail-out'," he told Randall. "They are coming here... to talk about how we actually deal with the issues that affect not just Ireland but the whole of the euro zone.
"The reality that faces Ireland and the rest of the euro zone is, notwithstanding (Irish austerity) measures, the market has not responded and market sentiment has, if anything, become more difficult in recent times.
"All we have to do is sit down and work out how to address the concerns that have spooked the market and I think that can be done."
The Irish government has strenuously denied it is set to be bailed out
Mr Roche also said his government did not mislead the public by denying it was taking part in rescue talks - and insisted it could be counted on to restore the Ireland's finances.
"Why should we be trusted? The reality of it is we have done all of the issues that are required - we have gone much further than any other (euro zone) member states.
"We have taken the hard medicine and we're prepared to take more."
Ireland has come under increasing pressure from some eurozone members to accept extra funding to prevent the markets from undermining it even further.
Some fear contagion could then spread to Portugal, Italy and even Spain - potentially causing the single currency to unravel completely.
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has said Britain "stands ready" to support Ireland.
The UK which needs its nearest neighbour to remain stable because of its exposure to Irish debt and the fact that sales to Ireland make up a sizeable part of Britain's exports.
i wonder how long it will be before its our turn!!!
