Taoiseach welcomes Brown’s “measured and constructive” comments on Lisbon

Today, 16 June 2008, in the margins of their meeting with US President George Bush and the leaders of the Northern Ireland Executive, Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Prime Minister Gordon Brown met separately to discuss the implications of the result of the Lisbon Treaty Referendum.

The two leaders availed of the opportunity to continue their discussions on the issue, following their telephone conversation last Friday. 

The Taoiseach acknowledged Prime Minister Brown’s comments earlier today as being “measured and constructive”.  He said “I believe that Prime Minister Brown’s comments earlier today, which he repeated in our meeting, were measured and constructive, and recognise the need for the EU Member States to work together calmly and constructively to find a way to deal with the undoubted difficulties which arise from the referendum result”.

The Taoiseach added that he would be briefing all Member State leaders at the European Council on Thursday.  He said that while he understood that the result of the referendum gave rise to deep disappointment among other EU leaders, it would be important for all the Member States to work together in finding an acceptable path forward.

END