President Mary McAleese today defended her support for a Yes vote in a referendum on the EU's Nice treaty while on an official trip abroad.
Ms McAleese underscored her backing for the treaty while on a tour of Finland and Estonia, declaring that enlargement of the community would be a benefit for all members.
Her stance has been criticised by parties opposed to a Yes vote, being staged on June 7th. Critics claimed the head of state should stay out of the debate.
Today, though, commenting on the latest stage of her trip, in the Estonian capital of Tallinn, she responded it was her "right as President to reflect on Ireland's positive experience of EU membership with other smaller applicant countries".
She recalled there had been a heated debate prior to Ireland's entry into Europe in 1973, but said the right choice had been made and the Irish were regarded as one of the community's success stories.
Ireland is the only state to be staging a referendum on the Nice treaty and a No vote would invalidate it throughout the community.
The treaty is being backed by the Government and the main opposition groups.
Opinion poll indications are that the treaty will be accepted, but the parties in favour are concerned about the consequences of a possible low turn-out of voters.
A Yes vote was also urged today by European Commissioner, Mr David Byrne. He said enlargement was "an ambitious project which provides an unprecedented historical opportunity to restore and reunited Europe to its peaceful and prosperous state".
PA