Noonan rejects Ahern’s Forum on Europe

The Fine Gael leader, Michael Noonan today told Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern that he and his party will not participate in the Government’s planned National Forum on Europe.

Stressing Fine Gael’s wholehearted commitment to EU membership and expansion, Mr. Noonan spelled out his objections to the Taoiseach’s plan which he said is significantly different from what was envisaged in the Dáil a month ago.