The future of the National Forum on Europe, intended to deal with the fallout from the Nice Treaty rejection, was in doubt last night after Fine Gael said it would not participate.
Party leader Mr Michael Noonan said the forum, as it was being proposed by the Government, would continue for three years and would not produce a final report. "In simple terms, it would be a talking shop that won't reach a conclusion," he said, adding that his party was still committed to EU membership and expansion. He said this rejection signalled a new attitude from his party and that he was "increasingly weary" of political consensus.
According to a copy of the Government's draft terms of reference seen by The Irish Times, the forum would provide the basis for an "inclusive and broadly based" debate on Ireland's participation and on the "overall functioning and future development of the Union".
"The forum will examine Ireland's experience of, and evolving relationship with, the Union, and consider the implications for the Union and for Ireland as a member of the extensive enlargement now in prospect."
Mr Noonan told the Taoiseach Mr Ahern of his decision yesterday. Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen said it was disappointing that Mr Noonan had chosen to go public on the "basis of what seems to be a misunderstanding of certain elements of the Government's proposals".
Labour Party Leader Mr Ruairi Quinn said he regretted the Fine Gael decision, particularly prior to the conclusion of discussions on the forum's make-up.
Mr Romano Prodi has predicted the EU will change the way it is perceived by citizens in time for a second referendum in Ireland on the Nice Treaty. Presenting a White Paper on Governance in Brussels yesterday, the Commission President said Irish concerns were shared elsewhere.