John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Mitchell. In his address, he referred to the notion of sovereignty and how it is his opinion that ascension to the EU has strengthened and achieved a real level of sovereignty. It is an opinion I share. Each succeeding treaty we passed has strengthened that level of sovereignty. Sovereignty is about much more than the ability to say "No". It is about partnership and making decisions. Decisions are best made in the context of relations and networks of relationships. That is what my question is about. Does Mr. Mitchell think the perceived damage to our national reputation through broken or neglected relationships has been fully repaired in Europe? That is not necessarily a simple question. I spoke yesterday to a very serious commentator on European affairs who told me he was surprised by the negativity at home among certain elements of our commentariat about our position. This is in marked contrast to the view held by large sections of the European commentariat who see Ireland in a rather positive light. Is he right?