Eurosceptic element in Irish media - MP

BRITAIN'S MINISTER for Europe Caroline Flint referred to the emergence of an Eurosceptic press in Ireland during her visit to Dublin yesterday.

She said a "vociferously euro-sceptic element to our media" was not an experience the UK and Ireland had shared in the past, although that could be changing.

Before she spoke about Ireland's rejection of the Lisbon Treaty at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Ms Flint told The Irish Times: "Well I certainly have discussed with colleagues here about the role of the media. It's a free press we have . . . and people will have their opinions. I think what's sometimes difficult though is if information put out there is misinforming or suggests things that aren't actually going to happen. I don't think that necessarily helps debate."

Ms Flint said the EU and those who support it needed to improve their communication skills.

People in the UK were "starting to wise up" to some claims from Eurosceptics, she said, citing as her favourite a report that Brussels had insisted cows must sleep on mattresses. However, it was not comical when people were left "confused and bewildered".

She understood some Irish women were concerned their sons could be conscripted into a European army, while other people were worried about the impact on neutrality or on abortion laws.

"These were genuinely-held fears and beliefs. And however nonsensical they appear to the 'Brussels elite', they were sincerely felt."

She stressed the British and other European governments did not want to reopen negotiations on the treaty and that clarification on issues of concern could be provided without reopening negotiations. "I'm aware how strongly Irish people feel about their influence and the importance of their commissioner. I would say also that part of that influence is how we move forward as 27 member states as well," she said.

Yesterday was Ms Flint's first visit to the State since she was appointed Britain's minister for Europe a month ago.She said the Conservative Party in Britain had questions to answer about its attitude to Europe, particularly in the current economic climate. "I think they have questions to answer about how, for example, they would be a government of influence in Europe," she said.

"These aren't debating society points, these are real challenges. And what does that mean for people living in the United Kingdom or here in Ireland? It's about whether you are going to have a job down the road, whether you are going to have a roof over your head, whether you are going to be able to pay the bills.

"I think the European Union is at its best when it is focusing on those issues that people can relate to and see the added value."