Sir, - I welcome the Taoiseach's decision to adopt the Labour Party proposal to convene a Forum on the Future on the Europe based on the 1994-96 Forum for Peace and Reconciliation.
Whether or not there is to be a second referendum on Nice, we must still decide what it is we want to give to Europe, and what it is we want Europe to do in the world. The forum should help us to clarify our thinking in that regard.
The forum should be inclusive, with a place for political parties and elected representatives, trade unions, the business community, churches, social policy and Third World organisations and No to Nice campaign organisations. In addition, open hearings for citizens should be held in every town.
It should be adequately staffed and funded. A respected chair should be appointed. Someone of the calibre of Mary Robinson would be appropriate.
The first phase of its work will, of necessity, have to consider the detail of the Nice Treaty and the case, for and against. A report on that phase could form the basis of the Government's approach to our European partners in seeking to resolve the ratification issue.
The second phase ought to address the future governance of Europe; the division of powers between the Commission, the Council of Ministers, and the European and national parliaments. It should also consider the rights and responsibilities of citizens, states, and regions within the EU, as well as hear the views of applicant countries.
The forum could contribute to a repositioning and revitalising of our relationship with Europe. Just as the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation prepared public opinion for a new accommodation between the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain. The conclusions of this forum could form a menu of options for Government negotiating positions at the European Reform Council in 2004, which, incidentally, may coincide with the next Irish presidency of the Union. The outcome of that council will also require a referendum. But if the forum is effective in its work the issues should be clear and our commitment to building a peaceful and inclusive Europe stronger. - Yours, etc.,
Proinsias De Rossa MEP, Vice-President, Party of European Socialists, European Parliament Offices, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.