Bertie Ahern
I think this is a good time because I think the constitution is something that people will have an interest - you're understood - these are the charter's fundamental rights. It deals with competences; it is definitely simplifying procedures.
I think they'll do very well in the Union and they're already in a financially healthy position.
I think there are times that a debate and a referendum are good, there are other times it's just too complex.
I think the way forward is that we can look at the totality of the outstanding issues, whoever's agenda they are, and together say we're going to implement the entire agenda together and everybody moves on together.
I think the Turkey situation is going to generate far more debate and far more controversy for many, many reasons. Its size.
I think the pooling of sovereignty, the opening up of markets, the opening up of views is actually an enormously positive thing.
I think the other part of the question - if somebody rejects it, do you put it back again? Well Ireland was in that position after Nice.
I think the main benefits of a constitution for people is just the workability of how the Union operates.
I think the Irish have been over history tended to be very pro-Israel. I think in recent years they have not been very happy with what they've seen - what the Palestinian authority has been subjected to.
I think the interesting point on qualifications and standardisation of qualifications and recognition of qualifications - I know in the area of medicine and nurses and pharmaceutical, physiotherapy - tending to be in the medical area - there's been a lot of debate about this.
I think the European constitution is a far easier one for people to explain, to argue and debate and for people to get some passion about.
I think the European Community is a very good body, I think it's a very fair body, I think it's a collective body, a very good governance, good democracy. I don't think there's a fear for anyone.
I think the enlargement process as it's happened through the years from the original six, right through - we joined, in Ireland, 30 years ago but we'd seen many extensions since, this is the biggest single one bringing it, as you said at the outset, to an enormous block and powerful block.
I think the countries are trying very, very hard to comply with the regulations.
I think the collective spirit that the union brings in cultural issues and dealing with different laws and trying to pool it, is a good thing.
I think racism more generally as people, I don't think it's a big problem in Ireland but I'm very conscious that you can't be complacent about it.
I think Prime Minister Erdogan and his foreign minister - Minister Gul - they are working very, very hard to get to this position and I think they will be happy to get an agreement that negotiations start.
I think people are opening their minds to seeing that it is better to engage, it is better to try to work together rather than have divisive policies. And while it is a change and it would be a cultural shock in more terms than one.
I think in a large community it will probably take time. But they will have to set standards and set guidelines so people know exactly whether their qualification is going to be accepted.
I think has to be clear because it's very disappointing for somebody if they feel that they have a masters in their country or doctorate in their country so that they're eminently qualified in their own country and are told that the standards or whatever isn't there.