WTO Talks Collapse

The Tánaiste has expressed his "disappointment" at the collapse of the World Trade Organisation's negotiations, amid a period of continuing European difficulties.

The failure of the talks in Geneva, Switzerland after nine days of negotiations, came after the United States and India refused to compromise over safeguard mechanism to protect farmers in developing states from agricultural imports.

Minister Mary Coughlan said she acknowledged difficulties in the negotiations as it was a very complex process covering a wide range of areas, involving over 150 countries each with different interests.

'Irish Ministers had used every opportunity, whether through meetings of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council or bilaterally with various countries, including the French Presidency of the EU as well as the EU Commission, to assert Ireland's interests," the Minister said.

However, the Irish Farmers Association welcomed the breakdown. President Padraig Walshe said the determination with which President Sarkozy and the French Government defended European agriculture was greatly admired and appreciated by Irish farmers.

"The Irish beef industry could thank the French in large measure for our escape from this catastrophe," he said.

In another ongoing European headache for the Government, Ministers are now considering a proposal for the EU to appoint a permanent EU Commissioner for every member state before putting the Lisbon Treaty to a second referendum late next year.

The idea is reported to be among a number of options under consideration by the Fianna Fáil-led coalition following the rejection of the Treaty by Irish voters last month.

If the proposal is approved, the Government would also reportedly seek EU assurances on abortion, taxation and neutrality before arranging a second referendum in September or October 2009 in order to sway the 'No' camp into voting 'Yes' at a second referendum.

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, is due to present a plan to resolve the Treaty deadlock to his fellow EU leaders before in October this year.

(DW)