Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that. I wish to be associated with the warm tributes to the Taoiseach and his back-up team on their achievement with an agreed wording for the European Constitution. The national interest should be prioritised and both Houses should get behind him for the Presidency of the Commission. It would bring great credit to the country to have an Irish person as President. We are all aware of the skills and talents of the Taoiseach and though sometimes we might regret them in a political sense, he would do a great job. All the European leaders accept that and we know it at home. It would be great if both Houses got behind him and I am sure our Leader here and our party leader could put in a good word for him with the EPP to overcome any obstacles there.