Dáil debates
Tuesday, 20 January 2004
European Presidency: Statements.
4:00 pm
John Bruton (Meath, Fine Gael)
The day of their accession will be a truly wonderful day in European history. We must not forget that the EU is a quality mark of democracy. States want to join the Union because it is a seal of approval. If a state is eligible to be a candidate for EU membership, it is an indication that it is a truly functioning market democracy. The Union is a great success without parallel in the world.
I am proud that the Taoiseach is President of the European Council and have no doubt he will do a great job. It is a great achievement for this country that we can hold the Presidency. It is also a great achievement that we have broken out of our subject status vis-À-vis Britain with which we had to live prior to our becoming a member of the European Union.
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