Taoiseach criticised for 'whingers' claims

Alleged comments by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern regarding those who might vote no in the Nice treaty have been criticised by the opposition.

Fine Gael MEP John Cushnahan has described the remarks as "arrogant".

Mr Ahern is alleged to have called opposers of the treaty as ‘whingers’ at the conclusion of a three day EU summit in Seville.

Mr Ahern has spent most of last week negotiating with EU heads of state making the treaty more palatable to the Irish electorate.

Mr Cushnahan insists that he also supports the ratification of the Treaty but warns that the Taoiseach must be open to all view points in the debate.