Brussels, 02/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - The decision by Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern to resign on 6 May 2008 because of a public enquiry probing corruption and his own finances may have an impact on the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, scheduled for the second week of June 2008, probably 12 June. Ahern has been Taoiseach since June 1997. He is a great defender of the Lisbon Treaty (and also backed the draft European constitution) and his strong pro-European stance and powers of persuasion may be sorely lacking in the referendum campaign for the new EU treaty, which will enter a crucial phase just after his resignation. The most recent polls, published at the start of this month, showed that 46% of respondents would vote yet to the Lisbon Treaty, 23% would vote no and 31% had not yet made up their mind.
A European Commission spokesperson refused to comment on any impact Ahern's resignation may have on the referendum. At a press conference, however, the vice president of the European Commission, Margot Wallstrom, said she was thinking about what could be done without interfering in a purely Irish question. The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, said he regretted the resignation of a 'good friend and wonderful partner'. Bertie Ahern has been cited as a possible contender for the new post as president of the European Council from 1 January 2009 onwards. Poland in particular said it would support him if he decided to stand. Ireland's finance minister, Brian Cowan, is seen as the likely successor to Bertie Ahern as Irish prime minister.
The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, welcomed the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty by the Polish Senate on 2 April (the Sejm gave its approval on 1 April 2008, see EUROPE 9633). Jose Manuel Barroso said the approval 'shows that the treaty unites more than it divides and is subject to common agreement by both the Polish government, the president and among most members of the parliament as well'. 'This vote symbolises Poland's confidence in our common European project; ands shows that she wants to play an active part in building a Europe which is strong; democratic and efficient, and where its citizens can live in security, peace and prosperity,' said Barroso. MEP and former Polish foreign minister Bronislaw Geremek (ALDE) said that through its ratification, 'Poland has unequivocally connected its future expectations with the EU.' (H.B.)