The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern has rejected reports that euroscepticism is growing in Ireland. Speaking in Cardiff, he emphasised the importance of the European Union in changing Irish society, developing the economy and helping the Northern Ireland peace process. It was a necessary statement of overall Government policy, after the ambiguous messages sent out by other cabinet ministers during the recent row with Brussels over budgetary policy. Events in the meantime concerning foot and mouth disease, BSE and beef support mechanisms have certainly underlined how vital it is to have good relations with and allies in the EU. As Mr Ahern put it, "the EU is not them: it is us". Every member-state is represented in the institutions and has an opportunity to influence decisions, shape the rules and gain from such co-operation. Ireland has benefited enormously from its involvement - and has changed profoundly as a result; that is why it is necessary to reexamine EU policies and strategies and the policy-making process to see if they are still appropriate. Mr Ahern announced that he is to initiate a searching review of these issues within the Government and wants to encourage the public to become involved. This will coincide with the referendum on the Treaty of Nice, expected in May or June. It will also be an appropriate way to engage the public in the emerging debate on the overall shape of an enlarged EU, which is to be considered again in a new treaty in 2004.
There are several indications that this debate on Europe will assume greater importance in our domestic politics following the row over the Budget and the Government's steadfast defence of its low taxation policy. The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, is determined to create political space between her party and a possible Fine Gael coalition with the Labour Party, thus reinforcing her partnership with Fianna Fail. Hence the significant ideological alliance she has built with the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy. Their prominent role in attacking the EU's criticisms of the Budget has this week been defended by Mr Ahern and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen. But it is as well that efforts are now being made to counter the isolation and erosion of political capital involved in their outspoken approach. Ireland has much to gain from and contribute to an enlarged EU, which is likely to be the main focus of debate in the forthcoming referendum on the Treaty of Nice. But that message badly needs to be communicated more effectively to the public. Ensuring such benefits are delivered upon will require a more strategic approach to EU policy-making, including more effective orchestration and co-ordination of priorities between Government departments. Optimising the benefits from an enlarged EU will necessitate new alliances, including with the thirteen states in the queue to accede, with which we have much in common, historically and politically. It will be very much in Ireland's interest to ensure the EU is sufficiently well-resourced to enable them to gain from the transfers which have allowed this State to catch up with average European standards of living - and sufficiently well-organised to run such a large entity effectively and democratically. How that can best be done should be the real substance of debate on Ireland's future role in a changing European Union.