Straw hails Ireland's 'extraordinary' EU success

The British Foreign Secretary, Mr Jack Straw, has described Ireland's "extraordinary progress" since joining the European Union in 1973 as a model for both existing and future member states.

Speaking after a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, in Dublin this afternoon, Mr Straw said his government was trying to get across the importance of the EU to the British public.

"While the debate on the future constitution matters, it has got in the way of the real understanding of why the European Union matters in terms of jobs, growth and security," he said. "If people need a good example of why the European Union matters, they need only look at the extraordinary progress the Irish Republic has made since joining."

Mr Straw described his discussions with both Mr Cowen and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern today as "excellent", adding that he looked forward to increased co-operation between Dublin and London during Ireland's forthcoming EU Presidency.

He said Ireland and Britain's stance on the EU constitution was extremely close, "but for the differences about voting systems". However, despite the failure of the EU countries to agree on the new constitution, the issue was "now in very good hands", Mr Straw added.

When asked about the findings of the Barron report, which criticised the British government for its failure to hand over important files to the Gardaí, Mr Straw demurred, saying he was "not up to speed" on the report's findings.

Mr Cowen said this was a matter for discussion between himself and the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Paul Murphy.