Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It is a major issue. The French will go into discussions arguing that it should be QMV and not unanimity. That is their position. They feel strongly about that. They are supported by others. In regard to the view we advocate, obviously in the Presidency we are trying to be even-handed but when it comes to taxation issues our views are well known and I expressed those again to Prime Minister Rafarrin. The French position does not hold up. I have no doubt I will have another discussion on that tomorrow, but I continue to disagree with that view. I agree that qualified majority voting should be used in the majority of cases but there are a limited number of areas on which we should stay with unanimity. Our view is that tax is one of those and it is a view shared by everyone in this House.

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