The first summit of Belgium's EU presidency takes place in Ghent in two weeks' time; and just before it, on October 17th, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, will address the European Commission in Brussels. It is the first such meeting, and an unusual occurrence. The Taoiseach is meeting President Romano Prodi and all 19 commissioners because, it is believed, there is growing concern in Government and official circles that, as a result of the Nice referendum, the Republic is viewed as a member of the Eurosceptic camp along with Britain and Denmark.
The implications are economically damaging, and it is felt there is a need to reiterate our EU credentials.
Ahern, it is expected, will tell the commissioners how he sees things developing now and will explain, yet again, the Irish vote. The Government's Forum on Europe, despite Fine Gael abstention, will feature largely in his optimistic assertion that Ireland will pass the treaty the second time round. As with the abortion referendum, however, he will not be giving a date, and most interested parties now accept that Nice mark two will certainly be after the spring/summer election. This is another worry for the pro-Europeans, who feel little political energy will remain after two bruising campaigns - referendum and election - and time will be too short when the pro-Nice push starts next autumn.
The Taoiseach will also address the Commission on our economy and the changed circumstances - in the economic, security and transport fields - since the atrocities in the US last month.