Sarkozy Visit Remains Mired in Controversy
MARK HENNESSY Political Correspondent
French President Nicholas Sarkozy's visit to Dublin tomorrow is still mired in controversy as doubt continues to surround plans to have him meet with Opposition party leaders. The French side agreed to meeting separately with Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny and Labour Party leader, Eamon Gilmore only after the direct intervention of the Taoiseach Brian Cowen on his return from the United States.
Up to then, the French had wanted the two to meet with Mr Sarkozy in the French Embassy, along with 15 other figures prominent during the Lisbon Treaty campaign, including Declan Ganley and Patricia McKenna.
Tonight a Fine Gael spokesman said the party was satisfied with the outcome. But a Labour Party spokesman said: “The discussions between ourselves and other parties, the French, are ongoing. We would be agreeable to such a meeting but we would have to be assured it would give us a meaningful opportunity to discuss the issues,” he added.
Mr Sarkozy will meet the Opposition leaders on his return from the Embassy and before he holds a press conference alongside Taoiseach Cowen, who is known to be concerned by the damage the visit's arrangements has caused to the Yes side.
During the embassy meeting, No and Yes campaigners will have just 3 minutes to make their case to the French leader, who last week said that the Irish had to vote again on the treaty.
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