Creighton criticised after comments are published in US

FINE GAEL TD Lucinda Creighton has been criticised after comments she made attacking America’s stance on the EU were highlighted by a prominent US newspaper ahead of Mr Ahern’s speech.

Ms Creighton said US foreign policy had “traditionally been opposed” to EU integration.

“The US supports the EU as an economic bloc, but nothing more. The idea of a politically strong EU, acting as a check or counterbalance on the US, does not sit well with our transAtlantic friends,” she said.

Ms Creighton made the remarks last week in a statement querying the motives of Libertas, the campaign group opposing the Lisbon Treaty.

Libertas is spearheaded by millionaire businessman Declan Ganley, whose company provides communications equipment to US government agencies.

Ms Creighton questioned in the statement whether Mr Ganley’s opposition to the treaty was motivated by his personal economic interests in the US — a suggestion Mr Ganley denied.

Although the statement was several days old, her comments were reported on the front page of the right-wing Washington Times newspaper yesterday morning just hours ahead of Mr Ahern’s address to Congress.

Libertas claimed Ms Creighton had “embarrassed” Ireland ahead of Mr Ahern’s speech and “cast a shadow” over the event.