Ms Ahern, MEP:

We are in agreement, indeed. I hope we will continue to have further trenchant exchanges in my own and the Senator's party.

Ms Ahern, MEP:

The debate on the new constitutional treaty is going to be trenchant. We must await what comes out of the Intergovernmental Conference. It is difficult to see what will emerge and it may be for the Irish Presidency to make the final call. I am not going to look into the crystal ball to see whether I can stand over the final decision. I am going to make trenchant representations in my own party on the usefulness of the Constitution in clarifying existing legislation and in having human rights as a core value.

Ms Ahern, MEP:

I am going to campaign basically on the question of the EURATOM Treaty. If I see progress on that I will have a positive approach to the issue. I believe I am well respected in my party. It is well within the capability of the Irish Presidency to do something serious on the review of the treaty, which must be up and running by spring 2005. That would be before the holding of a referendum in this or any other country throughout Europe. We have a window of opportunity to push this during the Irish Presidency and I look to the support of the House in that regard. I am glad the Taoiseach has already said that Ireland looks to Austria on this. If anyone wants further information on the issue I would be happy to provide it, as time is short.