EUROPEAN Union leaders arrived in Florence last night to a swellering heat certain to defrost any lingering diplomatic coolness over beef at today's summit.
Diplomats were confident, however, that a deal based on proposals agreed by the Commission on Tuesday will be a8reed, allowing Britain to end its policy of obstruction.
The British Prime Minister, Mr Major, in angry exchanges with the opposition in the Commons yesterday, said that a deal was likely "with luck". But he was accused by the Labour leader, Mr Tony Blair of being involved in a "humiliation" and a "rout".
Last night, the Tiinaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Spring, said he believed agreement was likely.
"There is strong willingness among all the member states to find a solution," he said. But he warned that the gravity of the crisis should not be underestimated neither from a European nor a British point of view.
Mr Spring had arrived for a Socialist meeting ahead of the summit.
He said that the socialist leaders were hoping to inject their own perspective into the employment debate. They would emphasise the need for "a social Europe, not just an open economy".
He echoed concerns expressed earlier by the former Commission President, Mr Jacques Delors, that those in favour of economic and monetary union were seen as too preoccupied with financial rectitude.
"People need to understand EMU is not just about money but about creating a stable economic environment in which jobs are the prime objective.
It is the mesiage the siinimit's leaders are hoping will come out of Florence. But if their voices are heard above the din of the beef war, they will be lucky.
The agenda will, however, see several crucial items, from EMU to employment, the reform of the EU's treaty and the fight agains drugs, given a substantial political push forward - with a view to major reports at the Dublin summit.
The leaders are also likely to discuss the suggestion of another summit for the Irish Presidency. The prpposal is from the French President, Mr Chirac in a bid to push forward the Inter Governmental Conference.
Mr Sparing would say only that the Irish Presidency would certainly be willing to host sucha summit if there was a widespread call for it. He did not look enthusiastic.
If it happens, it is likely to take the same form as the informal heads of government meeting at Formentor in Spain last year, and could well be held in the West.
Speaking here before the meeting, the leader of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, Ms Pauline Green, appealed for Mr Major "to see sense".
The British MEP, speaking with much less restraint than her Labour colleagues in the Commons, said that his policy had "damaged British interests and needlessly disrupted policy progress in Europe. It has been a futile exercise that has gained him nothing and lost him much goodwill".
PA adds:
The Foreign Office Minister, Mr David Davis, in charge of key talks over Britain's relationship with Europe, has reportedly asked: Mr Major if he can quit the government. The decision is said to have been sparked by a mixture of personal frustration and dissatisfaction with the direction of EU policy, according to senior Tories.
