The Taoiseach has said he is willing to restrict Ireland's national veto at EU level to "a very few areas", in exchange for a guarantee that the State will retain its right to nominate an EU commissioner.
However, he has accused the French EU Presidency of running the current EU treaty negotiations in its own interests, saying it has conceded nothing to smaller states. Therefore, he said, the small states would have to "play their cards together" on crucial issues.
As discussions on EU reform reach a crucial stage, Mr Ahern told the Dail yesterday he was willing to forfeit the veto on a range of matters.
He acknowledged that Europe would not work unless more majority voting was introduced. However, he agreed with the insistence of the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, that Ireland must retain control over taxation policy.
In exchange for concessions sought by the big states on majority voting, he said he wanted to see the larger EU states concede the right of small states to nominate a commissioner.
Mr Ahern's comments came as EU leaders prepare to discuss treaty changes in the French seaside town of Biarritz next week.
He said Ireland had not formally conceded on qualified majority voting at this stage.
"The larger countries have not yet conceded on the Commission, so why should I concede on aspects of the veto? The French, who are co-ordinating this for their own good reasons, are not giving anything."