European countries tired of 'difficult' Irish says Eurocrat
Thursday, 23 October 2008
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European countries are in no mood to renegotiate the Lisbon Treaty just to accommodate the "difficult" Irish, according to the highest-ranking EU civil servant from Ireland.
Secretary General of the European Commission, Catherine Day, said Ireland's 'No' vote has tarnished the country's image and damaged its ability to influence events in the EU.
She told a Dail committee yesterday that when Irish representatives at meetings try to voice concerns on issues other than Lisbon, the mood among other delegates is that "the Irish are being difficult" again.
This has led to the Irish having to "think twice" before raising issues, she added.
Ms Day said that the 'No' vote has meant that, for the time being, other member states tend to view Ireland only through the prism of the Lisbon Treaty.
"But I do not believe that Ireland's image has been tarnished irrevocably, provided we are able to ratify in a reasonable time period.
"The mood in most of the other member states is that they want to get on with the real agenda and put an end to the institutional debate.
"Lisbon gives us the tools we need to face the challenges of the 21st century -- and these challenges look even bigger today in the aftermath of the financial crisis then when the treaty was agreed."
She said the Irish Government was not coming under any "undue pressure" to make a final decision.
She told the Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU that she didn't think it was politically conceivable that the EU would "throw away" eight years of work because the Irish don't want to proceed.
"There is a sense of concern and frustration in other member states. Many years of debating went into it.''
"I think the other member states are very keen to accommodate Ireland in providing reassurances,'' she said. "I don't see any willingness to re-open the treaty.
"The goodwill does not go so far as to changing the treaty.''
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Exactly what freedoms are people giving up signing up to the EU Constitution?? So a majority in the Republic may want a UI but why not a United Europe then the subject of UI is rendered redundant!! C'est la vie!!
Posted by Michael Garrett | 30.11.08, 13:36 GMT
European countries tired of 'difficult' Irish says Eurocrat
But not as tired as the British though?.... Over about 700 years. So I don't think well get tired of the EU. Its in the will of every Nation not to be dominated by another,History attests to this.
Posted by Colm Reid | 31.10.08, 03:36 GMT
The above comments just go to show,the reason, why we should scrutinize whats being offered in the Lisbon Treaty Secretary General Catherine Day, has obviously resigned from Democracy. Probably while on her sojourns to Brussels. Its quite obvious she does not adhere to the Irish Constitution,which she originally swore to uphold when she was a member of the political system here and Irish. her approach is threatening...Under the E;U; constitution I would be jailed for even writing this,fortunately I'm not. Currently I have freedom of expression in this regard..;Does she seriously think people will hand over these freedoms? She needs to get back on her messenger bike go back to Brussels and ask them,What part of NO do they not understand? Its like the potato add of years ago. For Mash get Smash. Dump your constitution and TAKE this instead. Its not potato but it tastes like it.
Posted by Colm Reid | 31.10.08, 03:17 GMT
The EU has sucked us all in. We may as well vote yes now and that will ensure our path 'back' into the fold is less painful and unpredictable than it will be when it's further delayed and rejected yet again. But it's already too late. The Irish will vote No to voice their concerns not about the EU project but the treachery of their politicians. NOt the way to go and we have to be the laughing stock of the world at this stage. Ironically, this rejection will cement the last stand of freedom and sovereignty across Europe but it won't be viewed that way by the voters themselves. A few of us understand the conspiratorial plan underway but not the majority making the reasons we give ridiculous in the extreme. I will watch the ensuing drama that will take place under the covers of my bed. It will be bloody. FF and the Greens are destroyed. They have been their own worst enemies. The writing is on the wall.
Posted by Jane | 25.10.08, 14:09 GMT
since when was it forbidden for EU members to give their democratic opinions? the medusa doesn't like it when you hold a mirror up to it's face!
Posted by Greg | 23.10.08, 19:48 GMT
Disgraceful, the Irish have every right to discern the stupidities of a corrupt EU - who wants to be governed by a bunch of vain adulterers anyway. The Irish were invited to paint their doors black when Queen Victoria died, they came out every colour of the rainbow, you can oppress a people so far, then they rise up and say no more. The Emerald Isle will still be standing and glistening in the sea when the EU has disappeared in the morass of its own corruption. The Lord gave the Irish 2 Characteristics - nay 3, a godly sense of humour, courage and an indomitable spirit and a few stuffy Eurocrats will not daunt that spirit.
We were embarrassed when Mandelsohn was foisted on you as Secretary of State, followed by other Political puppets but the Lords favour falls where it will - try Integrity if you want anyone to join your treacherous EU
Posted by Ramblin rose, UK | 23.10.08, 18:28 GMT