Quotes
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.
I think again in the movement of people, a country like that - and it's been our experience - free movement of finance and goods great historical culture and great tourism product in terms of not only good weather but also extremely historical connections.
I think a decision will be made that they will join. What period of negotiation I would say would be more a lengthier period than perhaps Turkey would want.
I mean what is it all about? Enlargement is to allow people the opportunity to have voice in Europe. I think Ireland is a good example of this - we've four million people, I sit on the same table as Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, Gerhard Schroeder, where I can put my point of view as a small country.
I mean we all understand now the conflicts and the differences we have and we all in our own countries I think are working to embrace different cultures, different religions and I think the Muslim population is enormous already within the European Community.
I know George Bush well, we work with him very well. We worked with President Clinton before him very well and we've worked with presidents of both Democrat and Republic persuasions over the years.
I hope that somewhere during this year that we can succeed in doing that, the people of Northern Ireland deserve it, they want it.
I hope people are more and more aware of that and we have to help them in their countries and we have to help them to become more sophisticated at farming but that means they need a market for their produce. There's a lot being done in this area.
I have met both the EC and WC of Jewish groups and indeed they've been very thankful for what we've been doing here and not only here, up until recently we had I think and all parties had a Jewish member of parliament, even though from a country that wouldn't have a huge population.
I don't think any of these things are major obstacles. I think they'll get there. Time to be decided in December but I don't think there's any doubt about it.
I don't have any fears about that and I've said this to the enlarged countries that I think they will find their experiences as one of exchange, of education, of sharing their views with others and I think that's a very positive thing.