Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I thank the three MEPs for attending this meeting and sharing their perspective on the current position in Europe, our engagement with Europe and their views in general.

Mr. Gay Mitchell, MEP, talked a great deal about solidarity. That is what the Irish people would have seen in the early stages of our engagement with Europe. However, during this crisis people have seen perhaps a lack of that solidarity, which might be perceived more than real. That has grown out of the Franco-German alliance that developed during the worst days of the crisis. That alliance might have been due to the architecture that currently exists and the fact that there was no crisis response mechanism. It was therefore left to the two larger states to hold the various summits and to try to show leadership in terms of solving the crisis, particularly the banking crisis. That disenchanted many Irish people. Even though Ireland was subject much of the time to the outcome of those various summits, it did not appear to be part of the decision making process, notwithstanding its roles both in the background and to the forefront as identified by Mr. Mitchell. Will Mr. Mitchell discuss how Europe might repair that broken relationship with the people? Ultimately, if there is a perceived disconnect, there is a disconnect. I believe it is something we must address. I am a committed European and have seen the phenomenal benefits we have gained from Europe, so it is disappointing to see that gulf in terms of public opinion.

Paul Murphy, MEP, and I will always differ in our views on Europe. That is fine. As always, he articulates his views and his dislike for what he perceives as a big, bad Europe in a very coherent way. He succeeded in addressing that clearly. However, notwithstanding all its faults and frailties, where does he see a better system of administration? He would have a different viewpoint from probably the majority of people on how Ireland is and has been governed in recent years and on the current agenda. Will he discuss his perception of the ideal model? It would give us an opportunity to work on something concrete or a direction which we might consider taking.