Nice 'a defining moment for Ireland': Cox

European Parliament president Pat Cox has described the Nice Treaty as a defining moment for Ireland and its place in the European Union.

Mr Cox said he plans to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote in the re-run of the referendum on the treaty, saying the controversial accord is important if Ireland is to maintain its strong position in the EU.

“This is a very special defining moment for Ireland in Europe,” he said. “We’ve had a pause for reflection, but now we’ve a big choice: Is Ireland today going to connect or disconnect psychologically and politically?”

Meanwhile, Elmar Brock, the chairman of the European Parliament’s foreign policy committee, has also called on Ireland to ratify the Nice Treaty, suggesting that it is necessary for EU enlargement.

Mr Brock said a ‘yes’ vote from Ireland is fundamental to the growth of democracy in Europe, despite the fact that 54% of the Irish electorate rejected the treaty in June 2001.

“I think they should vote positively in this referendum because it would not bring irritation to the application countries, who already wait for 12 years for membership of the European Union,” he said.

“I think we should help the development of democracies, because this will increase stability within Europe, which is in the interest of all our countries.”