LAST weekend's European Council meeting was described by the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, as "one of the most substantial" yet. This was despite British efforts to rubbish it in advance as a non-event, he said.
Mr Ahern added that, like Mr Charles Haughey in 1990, the Taoiseach did not afford the British prime minister much opportunity to stage the usual 14-to-1 grandstand to impress the Eurosceptics back home.
"It is difficult for us to have much sympathy with British post-imperial stress disorder, with its national phobias about sovereignty and about foreigners.
We have to deal with the same forces relating to Northern Ireland, and it is no wonder we have some difficulties. Sections of the British media actively foster the most ignorant attitudes. I trust they will not succeed in intimidating the next British government from doing what is necessary".
Speaking during a debate on the summit, Mr Ahern said he could not help feeling pride when the Taoiseach, at his press conference in Dublin Castle, announced the united political will of a European continent.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said the House should recall the efficacy of the Irish presidency on a whole host of issues across ministerial councils, which did not generally attract public attention.
"The feedback in regard to the presidency's handling of these issues has been very positive. The excellent stewardship was a result of careful planning and complete commitment by relevant ministers and officials."
The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, said the range of activity undertaken under the Irish presidency demonstrated the very real contribution which the EU could make to international peace and stability.
The Progressive Democrats spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Des O'Malley, said there would be a general welcome for joining the EMU if all the EU countries were going to participate. "If the British decide to stay out, however, and we enter the single currency, the implications for this country are very serious. It is vitally important that we weigh them up very carefully."
There was no doubt that our economy had done exceptionally well through EU membership. But our real attitude to Europe must be questioned. What was our attitude to nationalism? "In most countries nationalists would be opposed to closer European integration. Does our Anglophobic version of nationalism dictate that we are in favour of European integration if the British are againgt it? These are no longer philosophical questions."
The Minister of State for the Marine, Mr Eamon Gilmore, commended the achievements of the Dublin summit and the Irish presidency across a whole range of issues. Progress had been made in particular on social protection and social exclusion.
In a uni-dimensional European agenda, whose main aim was the creation of a single market and monetary union, inequalities might be exacerbated. The poorest citizens could lose out and there could be increasing alienation from the European ideals.
The Union needed a strengthened social dimension if it was to counter such dangers. He was heartened by the declaration on employment adopted by the summit.