Cowen warns EU constitution team to maintain focus

FOREIGN ministers were busy learning the lessons from France’s spectacular last-minute win over Britain in Euro 2004 as the deadline loomed for agreeing the new European Constitution.

Foreign Minister Brian Cowen warned his team drawn from 25 countries that they must not take their eye off the ball in the remaining days.

He almost made a diplomatic gaff when he told the meeting, "I enjoyed seeing the two goals going in", but seeing the scowl on the faces of the British ministers and diplomats he quickly added, "because of their elegance. It just shows even when you are ahead you do not always win."