LEADERS, spurred by the resolution of the beef war, have set Ireland formidable challenges, for its presidency.
In an attempt to accelerate the process of treaty reform, a special summit is to be held in Dublin in October, in addition to the one previously scheduled for December.
There was considerable relief among Irish diplomats and Ministers that yesterday's agreement on beef would clear the decks for was scepticism at British claims that this represented a significant climbdown by its partners.
"It's a compromise reflecting the situation we are in. It has defused the crisis and allows the business of the EU to go on," said the Tanaiste, Mr Spring.
The Dutch Prime Minister, Mr Wim Kok, was more blunt.
"Did the British gain anything by their policy of obstruction?" he asked journalists. "No, but don't rub it in."
Senior diplomatic sources say the Italian Presidency put huge pressure on the British to come up with a face saving formula to, end the beef crisis. They are understood to have warned London that if the summit was wrecked, Italy would take a long time to forgive its erstwhile ally.
The decision to back the Commission's framework for a gradual lifting of the EU export ban was sealed only after agreement was reached on a form of words' which may allow some British exports to third countries, and a further £160 million in compensation for EU farmers.
Ireland is expected to benefit to the tune of some £10 million.
But the bitterness engendered by Britain's obstructionism is unlikely to be dispelled immediately. One leader called for treaty reforms to prevent what others described as "serial vetoing".
And the commitment that future decisions on the phased lifting of the ban would be based on purely scientific evidence is unlikely to make the process altogether smooth.
British beef is still not expected to be selling freely on European markets until well into next year.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said last night that the extra summit "may be required because of the volume of business to be transacted in the coming six months ... The prospect of an October summit should help accelerate community business."
Ireland is expected to finalise" work on several major projects for the December summit in Dublin. These include: a new exchange rate system the details of a post single currency stability pact; a draft new EU treaty for the Inter Governmental Conference; and major reports on employment and drugs.
Last night in Florence the president of the IFA, Mr John Donnelly, accused Britain of causing, millions of pounds worth of damage to the European beef industry. He called for a massive campaign to restore confidence and urged Mr Bruton to make beef the No 1 priority of the presidency.