Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remember a time when we were greeted warmly all over Europe, without exception. The concept laid down by the founding fathers of Europe was like the motto of the Three Musketeers - "one for all and all for one" - but whether we like it, it is a fact that it has since been lost. Some countries, perhaps including Ireland from time to time, have ceased taking ownership of the European project. It is as if we are not part of the European Union at all. Many commentators throughout Europe refer to the Irish, Greek and French problems as if they were not part of the European scene for which we are all responsible. Either we take ownership of and responsibility for the project, or we do not. We cannot stand out and say we have no responsibility, any more than any state of the United States can do so. We cannot decide to opt out because we think we have no influence.

Texas wanted to opt out of the United States a long time ago but was prevented from doing so.

The European Union must have a single currency throughout its territory. There is no use in making excuses about it. The United States would not function with a multiplicity of currencies and a combination of currencies would not be better than the current system with the US dollar. It is for this reason that the dollar remains stronger than other currencies, although the euro is also a strong currency. I have spoken for a long time and note the Chairman has refrained from interrupting me, possibly owing to my age.