We must ensure that we have friends and allies at the negotiating table. People often do not realise what negotiations involve. Anyone involved in industrial relations negotiations knows that a negative mode puts a person on the losing end of a confrontation. We need to maintain the types of relationships we have had with all of our existing EU partners and to do the same with new members. Many of the new countries who have been working hard to get their economies in shape so they will be accepted as members felt aggrieved and upset when they felt Ireland was closing the door. We must show them that we are not closing it and that we want them to have the same opportunities we have had and to achieve the same success. They look to us as a role model and mentor. If we can do it, they can do it. We must accept the Nice treaty if this is to happen. These small countries will become our allies during future negotiations. We must ensure that the Europe of the future will continue to deliver the type of economies and social policies that will make all our countries good places in which to live.