Cowen’s trip to shore up Lisbon support

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen visits four European capitals in the next three days in a final bid to win approval for his plan for the Lisbon treaty.

Tension is growing in the lead-up to the EU leaders’ summit next Thursday in Brussels where Mr Cowen is expected to say he will ask Irish citizens to vote a second time on the treaty.

As well as gathering support for a legally binding affirmation of Ireland’s neutrality and absolute control over ethical and taxation matters, he also wants support to ensure every country retains a commissioner.