Addressing the Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) today in a parliamentary debate on the future of Europe Graham Watson, ALDE group leader pointed out that "there is as much a communication crisis in the EU today as a constitutional crisis. We are losing the trust of our citizens by failing to adequately address the issues that really matter to them."

The Irish premier strongly reiterated his attachment to the constitutional process in his intervention before the House.

Marian Harkin (Ireland, Independent MEP in ALDE) said: "The impasse in the constitution was precipitated by the 'no' vote in France and the Netherlands - but in my opinion, this was not a rejection of everything European. It was a wake up call which said the future of Europe concerns us as ordinary citizens, and we, too, have a role to play. Democracy, like life can be a messy business, and while leaders must lead, they must also listen."

"We have had our period of reflection, now I believe we need a period of consolidation where the EU is seen to deliver for it's citizens on the Lisbon Agenda, on protection of workers, on support for European business, on environmental sustainability and on the ability of the EU to compete as a player on the global stage."

For his part, Andrew Duff (UK, Lib Dem), ALDE spokesperson on constitutional matters underlined:

"The 2002-04 agreement was the result of long, complex and difficult negotiations. It would be sensible now, therefore, to ring-fence the Preamble, Parts I and II against being opened up for renegotiation. However, if Mr Ahern wished to achieve his good objectives on competitiveness and social partnership he would need to modernise and improve certain of the common policies found in Part III."