Schroeder dampens Constitution optimism

GERMAN Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder last night poured cold water on the Taoiseach’s chances of securing agreement on the problematic European Constitution.

The Government remains hopeful of doing a deal during Ireland’s EU presidency, but, following a meeting with Mr Ahern in Dublin last night, Chancellor Schroeder struck a less optimistic chord.

“I do feel a degree of doubt about whether it will be possible to see the constitution signed, sealed and stamped in this one presidency,” he said.

Despite the downbeat summation of one of the key players in Europe, Mr Ahern said he believed that a compromise could still be achieved. The two leaders also discussed international issues, including the Israeli-Palestine situation, as Mr Ahern held talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei earlier in the day.

Following their meeting in Government Buildings, Chancellor Schroeder said the Irish presidency had a tough job as it was carrying out what he described as thermometer-gauging of the views of the different countries.

Offering Germany’s support in its efforts, the Chancellor said he had seen the Irish presidency treading carefully but at the same time decisively. The addition of a constitution will make the process of integration work better and the EU will be easier to manage, he said.

Addressing the prospects of Ireland becoming a net contributor to the EU budget, Chancellor Schroeder said that, when and if that happens, it will follow clearly set rules and laws.

“If the success story continues, there may be a day,” he said.

The Chancellor also declined to divulge any advice he would have for Mr Ahern in his dealings with US President George Bush. “I would certainly never ever do it in public,” he said.

Earlier in a hectic day at Government Buildings, following his meeting on the Middle East peace process with Prime Minister Qurei, Mr Ahern said the Government will be aiming for the renewed involvement of the EU, US, UN and Russia - known as the international quartet.

After a lengthy meeting in Dublin with a Palestinian delegation, Mr Ahern also called for an early meeting between Mr Qurei and the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

As EU president, Mr Ahern said Ireland was anxious to achieve a breakthrough in the stalled peace negotiations in the Middle East.

“Ireland and the European Union are determined to do everything we can to help bring the current conflict to an end. It is high time the cycle of violence was broken,” he said.