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.