The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and French President Mr Jacques Chirac said today an agreement on a constitution for the European Union could be reached at an EU summit in Dublin in June.
"We think today it is possible to reach a conclusion on that date," Mr Chirac told reporters after talks with Mr Ahern, who echoed those comments. Ireland is the current holder of the rotating EU presidency and will chair the June summit.
Mr Chirac also said a "double majority" principle proposed in the draft constitution was a "good compromise." Under this system, most EU decisions would be adopted by a majority of member states representing 60 per cent of the population.
Prospects for a deal have improved with the election of a new, more pro-European government in Spain and signals of compromise from Poland and Germany on the core issue of member states' voting power, which caused a breakdown last December.
Mr Chirac said a "double majority" principle proposed in the draft constitution was a good compromise. Under this system, most EU decisions would be adopted by a majority of member states representing 60 per cent of the population.
] "The position agreed with Germany and with Britain was not just taken for reasons of principle. It was a good compromise between effectiveness and the requirements of democracy," he said.
"We haven't changed our minds. The Irish presidency have taken on the responsibility and will bring this to a conclusion in an open-minded spirit," he added.