The Irish Government’s battle to retain a low corporation tax rate was given a boost last week, after the Dutch finance minister backed Ireland’s position.  The comments will help bolster Ireland’s fight against German and French pressure to increase its 12.5% corporation tax rate in exchange for better terms on the €85bn bailout loans from the EU and IMF.

During an official visit by President Mary McAleese to the Netherlands, Dutch finance minister Jan Kees De Jager said that countries should be able to retain sovereignty on tax matters.  Irish Independent 3 May 2011