Ahern says solution is dependent on political will

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the European Parliament a deal was the top priority of Ireland's presidency.

Progress on the constitution collapsed in December at an EU summit which should have been the grand finale of Italy's six months in charge.

Mr Ahern said the EU could not afford delays in getting it back on track.

"Excessive delay will damage our credibility and weaken our standing. Stalemate is not an option any of us can contemplate," he told the parliament.

The constitution talks collapsed after Spain and Poland refused to relinquish powerful voting rights which they had won at an earlier summit.

I pledge to you that the Irish presidency will spare no effort to make progress and to facilitate consensus during our term in office Bertie Ahern

Mr Ahern revealed that discussions had already been held with many of his fellow EU leaders to establish their positions, before a possible attempt to crack the problem at the next EU summit in March.

"I can assure the parliament that if my consultations suggest that there is a real prospect of agreement I will immediately move to seize the opportunity," he said.

"I pledge to you that the Irish presidency will spare no effort to make progress and to facilitate consensus during our term in office. The issue will command the highest priority under our presidency."

Uncertain outcome

Many observers have predicted that agreement in the short-term will prove impossible, and that the baton will pass to the Dutch, who take over the presidency in June.

"It remains to be seen whether this will prove possible in our presidency," Mr Ahern said.

"Ultimately, if we are to arrive at the necessary compromises, what is needed is sufficient collective political will."

The EU expands from 15 to 25 members in May, and argues that the written constitution will be a crucial part of its framework.