Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview in Dublin – 14 December 1996

Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview in Dublin, held on Saturday 14th December 1996.

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QUESTION:

Prime Minister, there is some suggestion that there is going to be an attempt to firm up the powers of Europol in the declaration today, what do you think about that?

PRIME MINISTER:

I have seen no such suggestion. In terms of making Europol work effectively, we are very keen to have Europol work effectively. The point at issue is that we don’t want that to come under the European Court of Justice. Working inter-governmentally to firm up Europol is very much our policy, we would very much like to do that. We think there is tremendous scope for the European nations collectively to act both against organised crime and against the drugs trade. So depending upon how it is to be done, I would strongly welcome it.

QUESTION:

What is the important thing to get into the declaration today?

PRIME MINISTER:

I think the declaration will reaffirm that the text produced by the Irish in the basic text for negotiating during the rest of the Intergovernmental Conference, I think that is the important point, because that text sets out everyone’s position and does not prejudice what will be decided in the next six months.

QUESTION:

How worried are you that the French may try and stiffen it?

PRIME MINISTER:

I think many people may try and change it, that is absolutely normal. When we normally discuss the conclusions on the last day of summits we have three or four hours with people seeking changes. We will see some changes, everyone will.

QUESTION:

Have you see this Mail headline?

PRIME MINISTER:

I have not read the British press and I am not going to comment on stories I haven’t read.

QUESTION:

Did you get any insights into the summit last night at Kitty O’Shea’s?

PRIME MINISTER:

I had a very enjoyable drink with the Chancellor, well several drinks to be precise, in Kitty O’Shea’s and it was extremely enjoyable.