DIFFERENT VOICES

Date: 08/05/1997

“What we saw in Britain, as in Italy, Spain and certain German regions - and I hope we will see in France at election time in a few weeks - is the defeat of all those who have always said 'it is Brussels' fault' or 'it is Maastricht's fault'.”

French European Affairs Minister Michel Barnier commenting on the Labour Party's victory in the British general election.

“Never more than now has the European Union needed strong British commitment, with its unique combination of pragmatism and efficiency.”

European Commission President Jacques Santer urging the incoming British Labour government to give the UK a role in Europe corresponding to its “great history and experience”.

“We want to take Britain out of a position of isolationism, out of inward-looking chauvinism and into being a leading member of an international community.”

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook promising a fresh start in the UK's policy towards Europe under the new Labour government and confirming that it would sign up to the Maastricht Treaty social chapter.

“The troubles of the past two or three years have entirely been caused by Europe. It is a kind of cancer at the heart of the party.”

Former British Finance Minister Kenneth Clarke speaking in the wake of the Conservative Party's general election defeat.

“A lot of matters have become clearer, but I will not hide from you that the margin of manoeuvre for national governments is limited.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo admitting that key institutional issues facing the Intergovernmental Conference could probably only be settled by EU leaders.

“I am afraid the markets have been carried away with euro-phoria.”

Ulrich Cartellieri, a member of Deutsche Bank's management board, expressing scepticism about the prospects for a single currency by the 1 January 1999 deadline.

“We put our head above the block and Canada has declined to do so.”

Trade Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan chiding Ottawa for its failure to take action against the US Helms-Burton Act through the North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA).