We will be able to get our own back on Pedro Solbes, the EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner, for his unprecedented criticisms of the Government's monetary policy. Both he and his boss, the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, are coming to Dublin next month but, tactfully, not until after the vote on the Nice Treaty. Their presence before June 7th could put the kibosh on it entirely.
Commissioner Solbes, a Spaniard, arrives in Dublin on June 21st and will present himself before the Oireachtas committee on finance and public service where, after his 10minute presentation, he can expect a grilling, at least from Government members and Senator Joe O'Toole. O'Toole, incoming president of the ICTU, has been seeking a meeting with Solbes for months because he wants to point out that Ireland's economic differences from the rest of Europe must be recognised in general EU finance policy. The PPF is working, he says, and tax cuts are important for progress in many areas.
Solbes, whom Charlie McCreevy has been known to call Peadar, is officially in Dublin for a meeting of the European Central Bank, which will be taking place just after the Gothenburg summit where the EU's broad economic guidelines will be decided. Wim Duisenberg, another of our critics, will also attend. Both men can be assured they will be told again in no uncertain terms that Irish budgetary policy is working, while many EU policies are not. Inflation and growth are slowing, they will hear, and there is no need to demand a cut in public spending or a change in last year's budget.
Prodi, an Italian, accompanied by his chef de cabinet, the most powerful civil servant in Europe, Irishman David O'Sullivan, is expected for three days at the same time. On this, his first visit as President, he will be meeting ministers and talking to various organisations about his plan for a serious debate on the future of Europe, but he will also be doing something unusual. He has indicated that he would like to meet champion cyclist Sean Kelly. The EU President is an avid cyclist. Indeed, photos of him in his gear have a certain appeal.