Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has indicated that another referendum amending EU treaties may be necessary.

Mr Gilmore said the simplest and most immediate response to the euro zone crisis would be to exploit the full potential of the existing treaties.



Heads of government, he said, would have to arrive at a conclusion that was guaranteed to restore confidence in the euro, domestically and internationally, not least in financial markets.



They could not afford to fall short of expectations and they must be prepared to do whatever it would take, regardless of the inconvenience, said Mr Gilmore.



“In certain circumstances that may involve treaty change,’’ he added.



“If, despite the deep longings of most people in the country, we nevertheless find ourselves obliged to have another referendum in this country on the EU treaties, then so be it.’’



Speaking in the Dáil today, in a debate on a Private Members’ motion on Europe, moved by the technical group, Mr Gilmore said one of the major issues to be debated in Brussels would be how best to ensure that the obligations assumed by euro zone members were fully implemented and rigorously overseen.



There were no easy alternatives, whatever the Opposition and some political commentators might suggest, he added.



“Yes we want to be ourselves again, to regain control of our own affairs, and we will be if this Government has anything to do with it,’’ he added.



“But to be alone in our current circumstances would be a very cold, lonely and penurious place to be.’’



Independent TD Shane Ross said that if Taoiseach Enda Kenny was putting Irish interests first, our debt should be on the table.



“That is the strongest card we have to play,’’ he added.



Ireland would not be able to pay it, said Mr Ross, adding it was a debt which would have to be restructured.