De Rossa defends EU Constitution

The Labour Party in supporting the proposed new EU constitution and claims that the document will not affect Ireland's neutral status.

Opponents of the text fear it will lead to a common defence policy but Labour's MEP for Dublin Prionnsias de Rossa said today that it will merely ensure more accountability over decisions made in Brussels.

The party has given the constitution overwhelming backing in a vote at its annual delegate conference in Tralee, County Kerry.

Mr de Rossa said that a YES vote in an Irish referendum would not oblige us to sign up to a joint defence policy.