Proud Taoiseach lauds Irish presidency success

The Irish Presidency of the European Union successfully implemented an ambitious programme of work with vigour and vision, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.

Mr Ahern said the country could look back with pride on what had been achieved during its six-month term in office.

He said he believed the Presidency would be most remembered for the historic enlargement of the Union from 15 to 25 members in May and the agreement on the new European Constitution last month.

“I believe we have risen to the many challenges we have encountered along the way.”

Mr Ahern said he would work closely with the new incoming presidency of the Netherlands, which took over the role from July 1, to build on the progress made over the last six months.

“Looking back, I believe that our sixth presidency will be regarded as a very successful one,” he said.

“I am particularly pleased that we succeeded in ending on a high note with the appointment on Tuesday in Brussels of a new President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso.”

Mr Ahern said a new publication, "Report on Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union" outlined in detail the achievements over the last six months across each of the areas of the Irish Presidency programme.

Mr Ahern also insisted all of Ireland’s national concerns were also resolved in full during discussions.