Concern at the future direction of the European Union identified by the Attorney General Mr Michael McDowell is a critique of the Government's failings, the Labour Party claimed today.
Labour Leader Mr Ruairí Quinn, said the Coalition Government appeared to be divided on Europe.
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"There is a real fault line developing over European policy in my view and it is based on a left/right divide.Ministers Harney and McCreevy and the AG have one political belief in common - they believe in big business and small government."
This was hampering planning for Ireland's role within Europe. "The Government cannot argue Ireland's case about Europe's future because it simply doesn't have a coherent view," he said.
He added there is "excessive secrecy in which EU business is done and Irish ministers have traditionally enjoyed excessive freedom to take positions in Europe without reference to the Dáil."
Last night Mr McDowell addressed the Institute of European Affairs in Dublin and said there was a division between the federalist European project and what the Irish people sought.
Mr McDowell, speaking in a personal capacity, said: "Our priority must be to take an active role in developing and articulating a model of Europe which we want to see."
He added: "If we confine ourselves to throat clearances of disapproval we surrender the political issue to others."
Meanwhile the Attorney General's comments were welcomed by British shadow foreign secretary Mr Francis Maude today.
In a statement, Mr Maude said: "Across our continent, the view is growing that the EU must now develop in line with the wishes of its peoples.
"The comments by the Attorney General of Ireland, that Ireland has as much right as the Commission to `develop and articulate and advocate our view of the future architecture of the European Union', and that the Irish people should not allow themselves to be silenced, are absolutely right.
"What a contrast to the decision at Gothenburg by EU leaders, including Tony Blair, to try to plough on with the Nice Treaty regardless of the Irish referendum result.
"It is time for Europe's leaders to stop treating the views of their citizens as an awkward impediment which needs to overcome. We should be building a modern Europe in line with people's wishes, and not against them. The EU's leaders must start to respect their electorates rather than ignore them."
Additional reporting PA