Current status on EU Constitution:
• Binding referendum postponed following the French and Dutch rejections of the EU Constitution.
• Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has said that the EU Constitution is “the right choice for Ireland”, and has proclaimed himself against cherry-picking the Constitution.
• Irish European Affairs minister Noel Tracy said that the Irish government remained “totally committed” to the Constitution and that “we do not believe that a better agreement can be found at the current stage”. (Agence Europe, 25 May 2006)
UPDATES
• 22 June 2006: A few days after the EU Summit in Brussels (15-16 June) Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said: "Reports of the death of the European Constitution are premature... [...] In the interim, we will not have a referendum in Ireland. [...] How can the government ask the people to vote on a European treaty when the final form and content of that treaty remain open to question?"
"I remain firmly convinced that the Constitution is essential for the future success of the enlarged EU," ... However, he warned that governments should not try to force through a charter against people's will. (Reuters)
• 05 May 2006: According to the Eurobarometer results:
- 68% think their country's EU membership is "a good thing". (3rd place)
- 15% chose "a common constitution" when asked to choose two from six options concerning what "would be most helpful for the Future of Europe"
- 19% chose "a common constitution" when asked to choose two from six options concerning what "would strengthen your feelings about being a European citizen."