The former EU Commissioner, Mr Peter Sutherland, was eloquent in support of England's pro-European community when he launched Blair's Britain, England's Europe - A View From Ireland, in Dublin last night.
The book, which suggests possible scenarios about Britain's role in Europe and the effect of that role on the Republic, was edited by Irish Times Foreign Editor Paul Gillespie. It includes contributions from Dr Garret FitzGerald, the former Taoiseach; Prof Ronan Fanning, professor of modern history at UCD; Mr Brendan Halligan, former TD and general secretary of the Labour Party, Mr Brendan Keenan, group business editor of Independent Newspapers; Mr Gerard O'Neill, managing director of Amarach Consulting; and Mr Lochlann Quinn, chairman of AIB.
Mr Sutherland said there was a big change in the British government's attitude to Europe following the election of Mr Blair's government. As someone who "now effectively lives in England", Mr Sutherland said he was constantly impressed by the ability of the English people to tolerate Europe, given the reporting of the EU in their popular press.
The English had, in fact, always been thoughtful and to the forefront in their attitude to European integration and he hoped they would, under Mr Blair, become a leading force in Europe.
Turning to also praise the Republic, Mr Sutherland said it was a "great and powerful State which had never been invaded". At this, Dr FitzGerald's "Hrrrmph!" could be heard down the street. Mr Sutherland conceded that he should have said "a great and powerful State which had never been invaded recently".
Dr Fitzgerald said the attitude of Britain to Europe was always of tremendous importance to Ireland and it was in acknowledgment of this importance that the authors had collaborated on a 1996 study of Britain's position with regard to Europe under the Conservatives.
Things had changed very rapidly in the years since the arrival of the new government and the authors had determined that Britain's relationship with Europe needed to be analysed anew.
Blair's Britain, England's Europe, - a View From Ireland is published by the Institute of European Affairs, priced at £15
