I think Europe is going in the right direction and we shouldn't be set back.

Having viewed Europe as an extension and projection of itself, France now finds Europe developing a mind and identity of its own which embraces France but is not controlled by France.

We've got to demonstrate why European unity and integration, our vast single market, our single currency, equip us with the strength to embrace globalization.

Essentially we need a new social consensus for economic reform as New Labour has achieved in Britain.

They want to derail peace because they want to plunge Northern Ireland back into armed conflict.

Of course, the EU is not going to fall apart, but at best it will stagnate for the foreseeable future and we will be dealing with quite a lot of internal chaos.

Too often we think we can act without explaining and take decisions without justifying them.