The second Nice Treaty referendum is likely to take place in the autumn, according to the Taoiseach. Mr Ahern also confirmed to the Dáil that the Government would be seeking a declaration from the Seville European Council confirming that Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality would not be affected by the treaties.

Mr Ahern was speaking during a short debate on the European Council meeting last week in Barcelona. He told other EU leaders the Government was fully committed to the ratification of the Nice Treaty. "I said there was a general recognition and expectation that a second referendum would be held in the autumn."

The Fine Gael leader, however, accused the Taoiseach of a "well-practised line in doublespeak". Mr Noonan said Mr Ahern was in Washington offering unconditional support for President Bush's "so-called war on terror at a time when it is clear that the US campaign is about to be widened beyond what has been mandated by the UN".

Three days later, the Taoiseach was in Barcelona "pleading with the heads of Government of the other EU member-states for a solemn declaration respecting Irish military neutrality".

Mr Noonan believed it was a mistake by the Taoiseach not to reveal his intention to seek the declaration in advance of the Barcelona summit. "It is this type of secretive approach which is leading more people to feel alienated from the decision-making process at EU level."

The Labour leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, said the Taoiseach did not have the "luxury of delay, silence or procrastination" in dealing with the Nice Treaty.

Mr Ahern had the obligation and responsibility "to begin to enter into dialogue with those people who voted against the Nice Treaty", to discuss the kind of declaration that was wanted.