AS LEADERS of the European Union gather in Dublin Castle today to discuss the timetable and substance of the Inter Governmental Conference to revise the Maastricht Treaty, this opinion poll offers intriguing information on the attitudes of the Irish electorate towards the institutional changes under discussion, write Paul Gillespie.
They combine flexibility and realism to a surprising degree on the part of the citizens of a small member state. All the changes will potentially dilute the powers and influences of smaller states, but to varying degrees. They have much to gain from an effectively functioning international organisation, which will need more majority voting after it enlarges.
There is clear support for increased majority voting (65 per cent in favour, 14 per cent against and 21 per cent with no opinion). This is pretty consistent across class, region and party lines and is compatible with Ireland's generally communautaire EU policies and orientation.
Opinion is closely divided on another question of central concern to small states, limiting the right of each member state to be always represented on the European Commission. Among the suggestions being canvassed are groupings of commissioners into senior and junior portfolios and alternating representation.
The Government has insisted that the right to be represented must continue, on the grounds that otherwise Ireland lacks access to the centre of power. It may be surprised to find that 39 per cent are in favour of limiting the right, against 35 per cent who oppose it. But 26 per cent have no opinion.
There are interesting variations across party affiliation, Fianna Fail supporters in favour of the proposal by 43 to 30 per cent, Labour by 49 to 31 per cent, whereas Fine Gael divides 38 per cent in favour and 42 against, the PDs 33 in favour and 45 per cent against. Middle class and big farmer voters are disproportionately against the proposal to limit representation on the Commission.
There is, likewise, closer division than might have been expected on the question of whether small states should have to share the EU presidency with big ones: 43 per cent are against it, 38 per cent in favour, while 19 per cent don't know.
Finally, there is a strong support for extending common citizenship rights, with Labour supporters and 25-34 year olds most enthusiastic.