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PRESIDENT VACLAV Klaus of the Czech Republic is a long-standing sceptic about deeper European integration, a staunch defender of inter-governmentalism, a pessimist about small state influence in the EU - and an extremely active participant in his country's current politics.

As the Czechs prepare to take over the European Union presidency from the French in January, Mr Klaus is doing his utmost to ensure its parliament does not ratify the Lisbon Treaty. He openly continued this campaign during his state visit to Ireland, which ended yesterday, by roundly criticising the treaty at a press conference held with one of its most prominent Irish opponents.