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WORLD VIEW:Pressing global crises mean Ireland must clarify its attitude to the European Union, writes Maria Joao Rodrigues 

I AM WRITING from Lisbon on the Lisbon Treaty. As adviser to the prime minister of Portugal, I was in the European Council in October 2007 when champagne glasses were raised by all the European leaders to greet the final agreement on the new treaty. I remember the joy and relief when after two painful years (in fact five), it was possible to reach a consensus on a new treaty, which has several shortcomings but also many achievements: a Charter of Fundamental Rights, more effective and democratic decision-making, a more co-ordinated external focus for the European Union, a stronger euro zone, a bolder energy policy and a social clause.