Madam, - EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy's remark that the Irish would be a laughing stock if we voted No in the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty was unfortunate ( The Irish Times, December 4th). It suggests the kind of political smugness that was so detrimental to the French referendum debate in 2005.
The topic is indeed no laughing matter after two years of go-slow since the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty by the French and Dutch electorates. However, it is true that our fellow EU-citizens will be watching Ireland closely when we go to the polls next year, as we are the only member-state that will hold a referendum.
This is an immense responsibility for the Irish people. Many people in France are looking to Ireland as a referendum by proxy. The French people chose the presidential candidate who clearly stated that he was in favour of ratification by parliament; yet there is a sense of frustration at not being able to vote on the Lisbon Treaty as Ireland was able to vote on Nice II.
Since the Laeken declaration in 2001 and throughout the debates at the European Convention, the EU has been contemplating how it can function more efficiently and democratically. Many of the key features of the constitution negotiated during the Irish Presidency in 2004 are to be found in the Lisbon Treaty. It is time to bring this cycle of reform to a close. This treaty will end the current institutional stasis by giving our enlarged Union of 27 states the instruments it needs to function smoothly.
This is a genuine reform treaty: the European Council will elect its president for two-and-a-half years, ensuring more coherent external representation of the EU alongside the high representative for foreign affairs and and security policy. The areas of co-decision are increased and the parliament will have greater legislative powers. Qualified majority voting in the council is extended.
The treaty brings more democracy: a right of petition is created and national parliaments are will have a greater role in scrutinising Commission proposals.
The Lisbon Treaty isn't perfect. The UK opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights is a retrograde decision, especially in view of future enlargements.
But there are many good reasons to vote in favour of the Lisbon Treaty. The Irish people shouldn't vote for this treaty "under duress", but calmly, responsibly, and reflectively as it represents a positive step for Irish and European democracy and for our quality of life. - Yours, etc,
LAURA DAGG, Secretary general, European Movement France, Rue de Rennes, Paris.