Seanad debates

Tuesday, 10 June 2003

Convention on the Future of Europe: Statements.

 

We cannot just pick the parts that suit us – as we have done in the past – and then decide that the things we do not particularly like are not for us. If that were the case, the compromises contained in the document would never have appeared. There has to be some trade-off. There are fundamental principles at stake and people have to adhere to them. I am not saying that a state should compromise its fundamental position, but one has to be prepared to engage in the debate. It has not always been evident to me that we have been prepared to engage in the debate to the extent that is required. There was a bowing towards the Pentagon and an acceptance that if the Americans decided to take action, we would tag along. I do not regard that as desirable.

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