Britain admits EU treaty in limbo

EU leaders gathering for a crunch summit in Brussels agreed to give Ireland "time and space" to decide how to react after last week's shock referendum "No" vote.

But beleaguered Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen will only be asked to present a detailed report on the situation when they meet next in October.

British Government officials insisted no firm deadlines were being mooted for resolving the issue - effectively leaving the treaty in limbo.

Gordon Brown arrived for the EU Council on Thursday afternoon to plaudits for having steered the Treaty through the UK Parliament - a rare event for a country often seen as a brake on agreements.

The most effusive praise came from French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who said the Prime Minister had displayed "political courage". "He did this with much commitment and much strength," Mr Sarkozy insisted after the two men met for talks in Paris.

The contrast could not have been greater with Mr Cowen. While studiously avoiding direct criticism, fellow leaders were privately furious at his failure to deliver an endorsement from a population which has done better economically than virtually any other.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Europe could not afford another "period of reflection" - although she also rejected the idea of pressing ahead without Ireland. "A two-speed Europe is not the way forward," she told the Bundestag. "We must ensure that treaties in the EU are promoted unanimously."

Speaking in Brussels before leaders began their talks, Mr Cowen conceded that it would be "extremely difficult" to find a solution that would be "viable" for the Irish people. "We are here to conduct serious discussions. I believe the decision (to reject the treaty) will be respected," he said. "Any decision must be viable for Ireland and for Europe."

Mr Brown defied domestic criticism for pushing the Treaty through Parliament despite the Irish No vote, saying he was "pleased" it had now received Royal Assent.