Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Without the EU we simply would not have been in a position to transform ourselves. We are perceived by many multinational companies as a gateway to the European market. During Ireland's EU Presidency, the Tánaiste sought to reinvigorate the European economic agenda by repositioning the Lisbon Agenda as a centrepiece for the future, as well as concentrating on employment and growth in Europe. That remains our agenda going forward.

We have a recognised international reputation as regards our capacity to attract foreign direct investment, as evidenced in recent decisions by Yahoo, Bell Labs, Wyeth and CenterCorps.