We all share an interest in seeing Europe playing an active and principled role on the global stage. Although Ireland may have had a distinctive foreign policy approach in many areas, this does not prevent us from having a fundamental identity of interest with our European partners and it does not mean we can shirk our responsibilities in helping to frame this policy. Neutrality has always been a guiding principle of this State's foreign policy and can once again guide Ireland and the European Union as we go forward together. For this reason I am convinced that Ireland, as a neutral member state, has a pivotal role to play in the EU's common foreign and security policy.