No appetite for reopening Lisbon text - Cowen

Taoiseach Brian Cowen acknowledged after the European Council summit in Brussels today that a number of his fellow leaders had no interest in reopening the text of the Lisbon Treaty, although they had expressed their respect for the Irish referendum result.

Mr Cowen told a press conference said he was extremely pleased that the agreed conclusions of the European Council reflected Irish views and concerns, including full respect for the Irish vote last week.

"Our overwhelming focus during the last two days was to try and manage the situation which arises as a result of the referendum vote. This week's proceedings are one aspect of that situation, albeit a very important aspect. The referendum was an Irish vote but has serious implications for all of our European partners.

"I gave my European colleagues my initial assessment on what had happened in Ireland and explained that we now need time to analyse the result and its full implications. Only then could we turn to what possible ways forward there might be for Ireland and the Union," said Mr Cowen.

He stressed the need to proceed in very close consultation with our EU partners as any potential way forward would have to be acceptable not just to Ireland but also to every other EU member state. Mr Cowen expressed his delight that President Sarkozy had agreed to come to Dublin on July 11th at the start of the French presidency for intensive discussions.

The Taoiseach said the other members of the European Council had listened carefully to his account of what had happened in Ireland. "Many were very concerned and indeed perplexed at the outcome of the referendum. Just as I was asking them to listen to, and reflect on, the views of the Irish people they wanted us to hear their concerns.

"Frankly, many of them found it hard to understand how Ireland could reject a treaty which they see as improving the functioning of the Union and redressing perceived difficulties of democratic accountability. In addition, they believed that a number of the concerns expressed in Ireland during the referendum campaign are either unaffected by, or well catered for, in the treaty," he said.

Mr Cowen added that he could not overstate how much many of the other EU states consider the Lisbon Treaty to be vital to the ability of the EU to function in the interests of all their citizens.

"Many of them highlighted the dilemma of trying to respond to the concerns of the Irish people while still trying to advance a process which has been in gestation for many years. Nineteen member states have ratified and others intend to proceed with this process over the coming months.

"A number indicated that they have no interest in re-opening the text of the treaty. They have a particular focus on the time line of European Parliament elections next year, as the arrangements would be different depending on whether the Nice or Lisbon treaties applies," said Mr Cowen.

He added that similar concerns arose regarding arrangement of the Council presidency and the appointment of the next European Commission as a continuation of the current treaty means a reduction in the number of Commissioners next year.

"I made it clear that however frustrating for them, it is simply too early to know how to move forward. I have been honest and said I don't have an answer at this time. I stressed that the views and concerns expressed in the campaign were varied and complex. There is no quick fix or easy solution at this stage and we must not prejudice how this dilemma might be resolved.

"I am pleased that, following difficult discussions, the Council accepted that deeper analysis and consultation is needed before any conclusions can be drawn. And there was one point on which there was absolutely unanimous agreement: it is in Europe's and Ireland's interest that we all find an acceptable way forward."

Answering questions from journalists the Taoiseach refused to speculate on the nature of the Irish response or the timetable in which it would emerge. He said he was not going to prejudge what would emerge but would enter into the process honestly.

He said the political situation facing him was whether he could solve the problem created by the rejection of the treaty. "I have to see can I move the situation from where it is to somewhere that will be better for my country."