Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

As with previous speakers, and Senator Finucane in particular, I hope the European Council will reach a consensus on an approach to the ratification of the constitution for Europe and restore confidence in the way forward on that and other matters. There is no question of other member states, not just Ireland, France, Germany and others, agreeing to a renegotiation or dismantling of the Common Agricultural Policy.

It ought to be observed that when this question has arisen in the past, the strongest opponent of reform of the CAP was the British Government because it always represented the interests of the largest farmers, those who collect €2 million or €3 million in subsidies. When reform was discussed in the past, the emphasis was on maintaining the social fabric of the countryside and the viability of medium and small farms. To be frank, the British have no credibility on this subject.