Fears as ‘secret’ EU Constitution talks near completion

THE European Constitution took a step closer to being agreed yesterday during day-long discussions in Dublin, but MEPs fear it is becoming further removed from the people.

Changes being discussed by high-ranking civil servants during their meeting in Croke Park yesterday make it harder for people to petition changes to EU law and would give ministers the last word on budget matters in the event of a row in the parliament.

The Government was accused of doing too much of the work on the European Constitution behind closed doors by one of those involved in drawing up the document, MEP Proinsias de Rossa.