Both the EU's leading trade unionist and a key Irish business employer yesterday called for full support for the EU constitution in the coming referendum.
Mr John Monks, general secretary of the EU Trade Union Confederation, debated the new constitution with the vice-president of the employers' organisation IBEC, Mr Tom Noonan, at the National Forum on Europe in Dublin.
Mr Noonan said the constitution was a step in the right direction, and the Irish business community supported it.
The State had a good history of punching above its weight in the EU, thanks to the quality of both its arguments and of its representatives, he said.
"We now have to make sure that we continue to be key players in the EU, making flexible alliances and maximising our influence," he added.
On taxation, he said the constitution really did deliver for the State and he praised the Government and the Irish negotiating team for maintaining what he called a strong and clear line on the issue.
"Basically, Ireland's right to determine its own tax system is protected in this text. So, for business people, this constitution gives the kind of certainty that both indigenous and overseas business needs," he said.
Mr Monks said if the constitution was not endorsed, Europe would be in a constitutional crisis which could take years to resolve.
The Irish Government showed the way to agreement under its EU presidency and was admired and respected for its diplomacy in achieving it with 25 member-states.
Members of political parties and interested organisations also spoke on the issue.
Mr Robin Hanan, of the European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland, said he was extremely worried about the direction of long-term social/economic policy.
From the National Youth Council, Mr Donáll Geoghan welcomed the youth pact and urged Ireland to endorse it.
Mr Pat O'Rourke of the ICMSA said agricultural sector interests were best served by being part of the European debate.
The ICTU general secretary, Mr David Begg, said the concept of a social Europe was what the trade union movement wanted. However, it would be difficult in the present neo-liberal climate.