Sir, - I have just received, in common with all voters in the State, a booklet on the above. It is a very impressive booklet. It is multicoloured and bilingual, probably very expensive. However, as an exercise in communication it is somewhat lacking.
In answer to the basic question, "what is the Amsterdam Treaty?", it tells us (mirabile dictu) that it "is a proposed series of amendments to the existing treaties governing the European Union." I imagine most of us knew that already. Wouldn't most of us like to know what these amendments are?
The authors do not think so. We are told that the treaty is not about EMU, the CAP or structural funds - the bits many people consider the most significant. But what is it about? Frankly I still do not know, or at least I wouldn't if the booklet were my source of information.
There follow eight questions selected by the author; but how do I know if these are the questions I want to ask? I look particularly at one: what changes are proposed for passport control (a basic factor in a European Union)? Answer: "there is no simple answer as the changes are very complex". In my view an international treaty which has to be translated into many languages and become subject to legal interpretation should not be so complex that it cannot be explained.
I contrast all this with the Northern Ireland Agreement which you, sir, published in full with an excellent summary, and I find it not surprising that there is so much confusion. So: how will I vote on May 22nd? That is a secret! - Yours, etc.,
W. J. Murphy,
Malahide, Co Dublin.