The Taoiseach has acknowledged that other EU states now see Ireland as among the less enthusiastic members of the Union and has called on politicians and business leaders to convince voters that Europe has been at the core of the State's economic success, writes Mark Brennock, Chief Political Correspondent.
In an interview with The Irish Times, Mr Ahern agreed that "the perception is there" that the Government is no longer at the core of the European project but closer to the fringe of it.
He said he did not think that this was a problem, but agreed that, since the economy had become successful and the State was no longer a substantial net recipient of EU funds, Ireland was seen as having forgotten about the benefits of the Union.
His comments acknowledge a growing perception among EU partners that Ireland's initial rejection of the Nice Treaty, its ministers' occasional extolling of US economic values over those of Europe, the Government's alliance with the UK against the abolition of the national veto in relation to any issues concerning tax, and a number of other incidents indicate a move from the enthusiastic core to the sceptical edge of the European integration project.
However, Mr Ahern robustly asserted that the EU and European social model had been at the heart of Ireland's success.
His remarks contrast with past comments by some ministers, including the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, that Ireland's success is due substantially to the importation of US-style tax cuts and flexible labour markets, and that much of the traditional European economic approach destroys jobs.
Asked about the view that the rejection of much of the European model had been central to economic success, the Taoiseach said: "My one answer to that is [in relation to] the foreign direct investment that came here.
"Did it come to Ireland because we didn't take the European model, or did it come here because we were part of Europe?
"I think anyone being honest has to ask that question, and I know what the answer is: they wanted to be part of the European community."
As he prepares to assume the rotating six-month presidency of the European Council on January 1st, Mr Ahern said he was doubtful as to whether a treaty establishing an EU constitution could be concluded during that period.
He also expressed concern that some issues important to Ireland, such as our outright opposition to proposals to abolish the national veto on some tax-related issues, could be re-opened for discussion in the coming months.