ECB Dashes Irish Hopes of Quick Decision on Bank Plan

European Central Bank policy makers sought more time to weigh a proposal presented by Ireland yesterday to restructure the cost of bailing out former Anglo Irish Bank Corp., prolonging a saga that began four years ago with the near-collapse of the lender.

The ECB governing council is unlikely to make a decision at a governing council meeting today, as some members want to discuss it with their own central banks first, according to people familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified as the negotiations are private. Brian Hayes, a junior Irish finance minister, said he is confident of a deal, according to an interview with state-owned RTE Radio today.