Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I welcome the fact that the supreme court in the Czech Republic dealt with the case before it this morning and I am happy that President Klaus has signed the Lisbon treaty. It is a source of great consolation that the Irish people, in their wisdom, gave an emphatic endorsement of the treaty. That decision of the people has paved the way for having the treaty implemented and for putting in place the structures of a 27 country Europe with a population of 500 million.

When the Taoiseach used to play corner forward, he was a formidable foe and moved quite fast in that position. I am glad he has come to the conclusion that an Irish candidate for the Presidency of the Council, that is, former Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton, is worthy of support. The Irish people have paved the way for the appointment of the High Representative and the President of the Council. As Leader of the Fine Gael Party and a vice-president of the European People's Party, I will be happy to assist the Taoiseach in this work and to make direct contact with the Heads of Government of the 14 countries in which our group, the European People's Party, has prime ministers. I believe the credentials of the candidate involved are precisely what Europe requires at a time of necessity for cohesion and coherence and for establishing a Europe that is seen to be strong and energetic. In addition, the person involved led a Government which comprised what would be considered in Europe to be socialist and conservative or right of centre parties. As the Head of Government, what direct contact does the Taoiseach intend to make on behalf of the candidacy of former Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton, for the position of President of the Council? Obviously, I will fully support him in that regard.

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