The Taoiseach has indicated that the controversial Italian candidate for the European Commission, Rocco Buttiglione, will have to stand aside to resolve the row over the new commission.
Bertie Ahern said he did not think simply reshuffling which commissioners got which portfolios would solve the problem.
His comment was echoed by the incoming President of the Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, who indicated for the first time that he expects to replace some members of the proposed commission.
Mr Barroso withdrew his entire team before a parliament vote because of the controversy over Mr Buttiglione's views on homosexuality and women.
Draft EU Constitution signed in Rome
Earlier, the draft European Constitution was signed in Rome by the EU's 25 leaders along with their foreign ministers.
The Taoiseach described the signing as an occasion for a fresh commitment from Europeans to ensure stability, prosperity, peace and justice.
The treaty must now be ratified by each of the member states. Many of those member states, including Ireland, are planning to hold referendums.
