Statement by TUV economics spokesperson David Vance:

“People across the United Kingdom will be appalled to hear that our Government is to contribute around £7 billion towards propping up the failed economic and political entity which is the Irish Republic.

“HM Government simply does not have £7 billion in loose change to throw into the Irish begging bowl! This has been made abundantly clear following the recent cuts and the impending threat of yet more.

“The UK had the good sense to stay out of the Euro and should not, now, be paying for the mistakes of those who joined.”