Accusing the Taoiseach of having 'rolled over' under pressure from other EU member states keen to pass the Treaty, Mr Rogers observed in a recent radio interview that: 'I find it very surprising that the Taoiseach would use that type of language on this very serious issue in respect of which the people have already stated their position.'

He went on to add that Ireland is a full member of the European Union, and should be entitled to participate fully in the processes and institutions of the EU, even if the pro-enlargement treaty is rejected a second time by voters in the Republic:

'If the Union is not going to respect democratic principle we must signal - we, the Irish people, must signify - that it cannot have our respect. It is as simple as that.'