At this time of failures in Iraq and on Wall Street, when the US has lost its role as model and inspiration for policymakers and others around the world, a golden opportunity has arisen for Europe to offer an alternative to look up to and find inspiration from. But Europe is not in good shape.

It is not just about the Irish vote. The Irish referendum on the Lisbon treaty in June is merely a scapegoat for our long-term failure to build a strong Europe that is influential in the world.