Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the fact that the Lisbon treaty was signed in the Czech Republic by President Klaus. The ratification instrument was signed in Prague at 3 p.m. today. This clears the way for the treaty to enter into force in the near future, which is excellent news both for Ireland and the European Union. I welcome the fact that the court made its decision and that we have the signature of the Czech President.

On the other matter raised by Deputy Kenny, I was not asked by former Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton, to put forward his name on behalf of the Irish Government and I was not asked to conduct a campaign on his behalf. In the letter he forwarded to me, he said that he wished to express his interest in being considered for the position, particularly in the event that no serving member of the Council is available. As the Lisbon treaty will now come into effect, the President of the Council as envisaged in that treaty will be appointed. The Swedish Presidency will proceed with confidential bilateral discussions with Heads of Government to ascertain what level of support exists for any prospective candidate or any existing member of the Council who might be interested in the position. Until the Swedish Presidency does that and conveys to me its assessment of the situation, I do not believe anything can be done other than consider what is the position. If it is the case, as Mr. Bruton has outlined, that no member of the Council is emerging as a prospective President, he is making himself available as a candidate. We must wait and see how the situation develops.

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