Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is a fact and the Deputies should acknowledge it. That is how ambassador Bruton was helped to get the position. He has done his job well. The idea was that, because of Ireland's historic engagement with the United States and capacity to "work the Hill", an Irish political figure, particularly a former Taoiseach, would be an ideal EU ambassador to the United States and would be able to carry out his functions ably and effectively. Mr. Bruton has been able and effective.

With regard to the soundings, people are non-committal because they seem to be filtering their views and approaches through the Presidency. The other complicating factor is that the European People's Party, of which Deputy Breen's party is a member, is producing all the candidates, although many of them have not announced themselves officially. The current Belgian Prime Minister, Mr. Herman van Rompuy, is emerging as a very credible candidate if one is to believe the soundings. Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, the Dutch Prime Minister, was an early candidate mentioned frequently at the Council on the last occasion it met. Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker has vast experience also, as does Mr. John Bruton. These four candidates are from the same grouping and therefore the grouping itself must work something out.

In the letter to all the leaders, ambassador Bruton based his interest on sitting members not seeking the position. Much will happen through the Presidency tomorrow by way of determining who is in and who is out. Mr. Tony Blair, from the socialist grouping, is a very strong candidate. The British Government is working hard on his behalf.

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