Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

No.

The Deputy asked what would be the attitude of our colleagues, were matters to remain as they are, and how they could go ahead without us. As I noted, this is not their desire. They certainly cannot proceed with the Lisbon treaty. However, a point that a number of commentators have been trying to make for some time is that the real issue should not necessarily be about the legalities, although they are important. The real issue is what will happen to the good will we have built up over 35 years and the sense of constructive partnership between Ireland and the European Union. Where does that leave Ireland for the future? How will we be viewed? This exercises me more than the legalities about vetoes and so on and it is an issue we will have to consider. The challenge is to ensure we stay centre stage and at the heart of the European project.

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