Ireland eyes U2, Corrs for EU's big bang
Posted on Wednesday, January 07 @ 03:54:29 CET by Macphisto
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(EUBusiness.com) -- The EU's freshly-launched Irish presidency is hoping that native stadium rockers U2 as well as hit band The Corrs will headline a huge party to mark the bloc's big bang expansion later this year.
Plans are still at an early stage, but U2 front man Bono and lead guitarist the Edge could provide the mood music to a "Day of Welcomes" to greet the entry of 10 mostly ex-communist countries to the 15-member EU when they join on May 1.
"If there's one thing we can do it's throw a party," said one insider, as Prime Minister Bertie Ahern presented his plans for Dublin's six months at the EU helm to the European Commission.
"If there's one thing we can do it's throw a party," said one insider, as Prime Minister Bertie Ahern presented his plans for Dublin's six months at the EU helm to the European Commission.
The May Day extravaganza will centre on Dublin, but celebrations will also be organized in 10 other cities and towns across Ireland, which have been twinned with communities in the incoming members.
Organizers are hoping that leaders of all states in the enlarged 25 member bloc -- plus Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, which are still in the EU queue -- will join the festivities.
Again, plans are at a preliminary stage, and it remains unclear whether Jacques Chirac, Gerhard Schroeder et al will be rocking in the new members. "We hope they'll come, at least for a few hours," said the insider.
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