Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

However, Ireland is and always has been a fully engaged member of the EU. It always has had an influence well beyond its size in the Commission, Parliament and Council. We continue to have strong friends throughout the Union who are highly supportive. At present, the Union needs bold leadership in the best traditions of a great project that has given Europe so much. It needs a clear focus on innovative action founded on the core principle of solidarity and only if it does this will it come through this crisis strongly.

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