The Tβnaiste sharply criticised Sinn FΘin during the resumed debate on European enlargement.

Ms Harney said no case could be made that we would be better off had we stayed with an independent currency, tiny in world terms, while most of the EU joined together in the euro.

"No case can be made. But that does not stop the economic zealots of Sinn FΘin opposing the introduction of the euro into Northern Ireland and proposing the withdrawal of the Republic from the euro.

"I am certain the people of Ireland would be horrified to have their jobs and their livelihoods staked on Sinn FΘin central banking, Sinn FΘin interest rates and Sinn FΘin economic isolation of the North Korean variety. Let us hope the media spotlight is turned on this part of Sinn FΘin politics, too." Ms Harney said Ireland's participation in the euro had brought the benefit of low interest rates and a stable currency based in an economic zone 16 times the size of Ireland's.

She was replying to a Fine Gael private member's motion confirming Dβil support for the enlargement of the European Union and calling on the Government to take all appropriate steps as soon as possible to ensure Ireland did not impede the accession of applicant states to the EU. The Government accepted the motion.

Mr Caoimhgh∅n ╙ Caolβin (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) moved an amendment calling for the implementation of the Nice referendum decision, mandate the Government to seek the negotiation of a new treaty allowing for enlargement, and urge a referendum to amend the Constitution to include an explicit assertion of military neutrality.

He failed to get sufficient Dβil support to challenge a division.

In a statement, he said the Government and the Opposition had failed to accord him speaking time during the debate. "As in the Nice referendum campaign, Fianna Fβil, Fine Gael and Labour are united - this time in defiance of the decision of the electorate in that referendum."