Sir, - I refer to your article "Irish economic `miracle' attributed to Europe" (December 6th). The exaggeration of European Commission rhetoric is in inverse relation to the wisdom of their policies on integration or the strength of the Euro.
Commission President Prodi argues that the Celtic Tiger could not have happened but for the Republic of Ireland's membership of the EU. EU membership was certainly a major explanation of the growth which has occurred. but there are many others. It is at least arguable that membership of the EU was neither a necessary nor sufficient explanation for the so-called economic miracle. After all, the "take-off" took a long time after 1973 to begin.
Moreover, the EU contribution to growth during 19872000 does not preclude the possibility that the policies of the EU could now be harming the economic potential of the Republic. In fact, Commission President Prodi's grand statement: "Outside Europe, you have nothing", parallels the equally extravagant claim made by some that without the EU there would have been no Northern Ireland peace process.
The President concludes by arguing that in the absence of the EU the various states of Europe would be like the city states of Renaissance Italy; culturally great but politically and militarily of no account. Mr Prodi has given the game away. The European project is not now an exercise in political idealism but a return to 19th century great power imperialism. The citizens of the Republic and the UK would be wise to be sceptical of the Commission's rhetorical flourishes. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Esmond Birnie, MLA, (South Belfast, Ulster Unionist Party) Northern Ireland Assembly, Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3XX