Plans for the National Forum on Europe were unknown and its organisers were not looking further than just after Easter, its chairman said yesterday.
The launch of Sen Maurice Hayes's report on the first phase of the work of the forum at Dublin Castle was attended by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, MEPs, TDs, senators and other guests, including the former Taoiseach Dr Garret FitzGerald.
Dr FitzGerald asked Mr Hayes what plans were visualised for the forum, and if there would be meetings again in September/October.
Mr Hayes said the honest answer was that he did not know.
"We have to consider the fact that there will be an election and I think it will be up to the government at that stage to consider what it wanted to do with the forum.We're not looking further at the moment than just after Easter."
The Taoiseach did not address the event. However, speaking to reporters outside, he said people had widespread support for the enlargement of the EU.
However, he said, there were other issues, including fears for military independence, which had frightened people away from voting in favour of the Nice referendum.