Prodi welcomes Ireland’s programme for EU presidency

The president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, has welcomed Ireland’s programme for its six-month presidency of the EU, describing it as ambitious and full of ideas.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, outlined the programme to the European Parliament in Strasbourg earlier today.

Mr Prodi said he particularly welcomed Mr Ahern’s promise to prioritise negotiations on a proposed EU Constitution.

However, he reiterated his desire for a "two-speed" EU if consensus could not be reached on the details of the document.

Mr Prodi and Mr Ahern had a public disagreement earlier this month over the prospect of a "two-speed" EU, with the Taoiseach saying he would oppose any such eventuality.