THE EU: EU populations look more favourably upon the US's fight against terrorist organisations: 49 per cent more British and Italians are positive than negative, as are 46 per cent of Swedes and 37 per cent of Irish people.
Ireland has the second most positive attitude of any European Union country towards the role of the United States in developing and maintaining world peace, according to a major EU opinion poll.
The Eurobarometer survey was taken last autumn before the Iraqi crisis dominated the global political agenda and before the row created by the US military's use of Shannon Airport.
Opinion towards the US varies widely throughout the EU. Both Ireland and the United Kingdom have a positive attitude, while the Greeks are overwhelmingly negative towards Washington.
Reflecting, perhaps, the large presence of US multi-nationals in the Republic, the Irish are the most positive in the EU about the US's influence on the world's economy.
Meanwhile, 92.4 per cent of those surveyed in Ireland believe that fighting terrorism is a priority for the Union and 90.8 per cent believe priority must be given to action to cope with poverty and social exclusion. Just 65 per cent are as concerned about reforming EU institutions.