Welcoming the European Commission in Dublin, at the outset of its European Union presidency, Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has stressed Ireland's determination to manage the job in the interests of all the bloc's members.

"I think that as we move towards enlargement the Union needs a new Constitutional treaty which will help us to be more dynamic, efficient and more accountable."

Commission President Romano Prodi called on nations to agree on a new constitution this year.

"We can't wait for ever, that is clear. We can't stop Europe, and (there) will come the moment where somebody, and I don't tell who because it must be open, must give the example to go on, because Europe can not always go at the speed of the slowest wagon."

This concluded a day of talks on the work programme for the next six months, between the Commission and Ahern's ministers. The Taoiseach tours European capitals next, starting this Thursday in Belgium.

Source: Euronews at:
http://www.euronews.net/create_html.php?page=detail_europa&lng=1&option=9,europa