Ahern calls on FG to review Forum decision

The Taoiseach has called on Fine Gael to review its decision not to take part in the National Forum on Europe.

Speaking at the Forum’s inaugural meeting in Dublin today Mr Ahern said he regretted Fine Gael had chosen not to participate adding: "I hope the party will review its decision.

The Forum was set up by the Government after this year's referendum rejection of the Nice Treaty.

Mr Ahern said: "No-one doubts the advantages that membership [of the EU] has brought us. Thirty years on it is timely to take full account of how we have prospered in Europe."

He added that anyone aged thirty or over had witnessed first-hand the benefits of membership of the EU.

"I am convinced our continued prosperity is absolutely dependent on our membership of the European Union", he said.

He said he regretted Fine Gael’s decision not to participate in the forum, adding he hoped the party would review its decision.

Chairperson of the forum Senator Maurice Hayes said: "The Debate were are addressing is one of the important of our time".

Senator Hayes said: "It’s timely to ask ourselves what kind of Ireland and what of kind of Europe do we want for the future. He said the low vote in the Nice Treaty referendum meant that the members of the Oireachtas had failed to engage the public on European issues."

Labour leader Mr Ruairi Quinn criticised the Government over its "lack of vision" on Europe. He said: "I do not believe that consensus will emerge from this process nor do I think that it is desirable."

He said there was a need to recast the debate on Europe.