Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Let me answer the question and explain the criterion in terms of my support for Mr. Bruton's availability, should it be required or should it be possible for that to happen. I have indicated it. His record and commitment to the European Union has been consistent, passionate and committed. On European matters there is much with which I would agree and perhaps very little with which I would disagree in respect of Mr. Bruton, considering the national view. There are many people in the House from different parties and associated with other parties in Europe about whom I could say the same, so that is not the issue.

The issue is how the President of the Council will be appointed. That is the nub of the Deputy's question. It will be done by agreement among the Heads of Government at a European Council meeting, hopefully to be concluded on 19 November. Presumably, at that stage the EU Presidency will be in a position to put a proposal to the Council for its consideration. The process works based on consultation among Heads of Government by the EU Presidency. We will see what emerges and how we get to it. That is the way it works, out of respect for every country, every Head of Government, the candidates who may put forward their names or a person who may be asked to take the position and who may not yet have declared candidacy. I cannot be any more specific than that.

Ireland will play its role. We have a constructive role to play in respect of people. I have no fundamental objection to any existing member of the Council becoming President of the Council. They are all colleagues and they have all shown great solidarity to Ireland in recent times. They listened to what we had to say and to what was said at the all-party committee in respect of the issues we believed needed to be dealt with in a substantive way before we could put a second referendum. Solidarity has been shown to us. Europe is a two way street. In fact, it is a 27-way street. However, in whatever way we can constructively engage with colleagues to come up with competent people to do the job, we will do so. An Irishman has made his position clear and he will be available in certain circumstances. I do not see why I would not support this, should there be sufficient support for his candidacy.

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