Irish MEP Gay Mitchell has said that the EU is perceived as “a cold place for Christians” by a growing number of people.

Speaking in the European Parliament this week, Mr Mitchell, who represents the Dublin constituency, said that he had experienced a lack of respect from some who disagreed with him as regards religion.

He said that many in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe now believed “that the EU is becoming a cold place for Christianity in particular and religion in general”.

Mr Mitchell added that he had personally experienced “disrespect from people here who see themselves as fair minded and liberal but who are anything but that when it comes to trying to see things from the point of view of people who have religious belief”.

He added: “I respect those who do not have religious belief but I fully expect them to reciprocate that respect.

“That is what the whole EU project is about: Unity in Diversity.”

Referring to the guarantees secured by the Irish Government in respect of family, life and education, he said that the second Lisbon referendum showed “what can be achieved when we are truly inclusive. I put this out there for those who have ears to hear”.

He said that the guarantees were a response to worries about abortion being forced on Ireland. This was an example, he added, of “democracy in action at every level”.

Mr Mitchell continued: “The reason the Irish Parliament had the right and the duty to do what they did is because the sovereign people of Ireland gave them that right and duty.”

He added: “The Lisbon Treaty process in Ireland demonstrates that when we make the effort to bring people with us they are prepared to respond to leadership.”