Madam, - Opponents of the Lisbon Treaty are busily replaying the militarisation argument that has been deployed in every referendum since 1972, attempting to spread fear and apprehension among Irish families. Had those arguments been true, a whole generation of Irish men and women would have been conscripted into a European army and many would lie in military graves across the EU Empire. They were not true and they are not true today.
The treaty is clear on the essential elements of the Common Security and Defence Policy which is based on the principles and values which have made the European Union the most successful peace process in modern European history, reconciling the second World War foes, bringing Greece, Spain and Portugal back to democracy and welcoming the former satellites of the Soviet Empire into the voluntary association which is today's EU.
The treaty text, whose complexity does not help, sets out the main elements of the CSDP. Missions are limited to the so-called Petersberg Tasks, based on the UN Charter and designed to support the UN in peacekeeping and related actions. All key decisions are made by unanimity. The position of the six neutral member states is fully recognised. Each member state decides on whether, or to what degree, to participate in missions.
The more controversial issues are entirely logical. Military capability must be enhanced to meet demanding circumstances. The resources of the Irish Defence Forces are being systematically upgraded to fulfil UN and EU duties. The debacle in respect of providing airlift for the Chad mission demonstrates the need to improve capabilities through the European Defence Agency, which already exists and of which Ireland is a member.
The provision for structured co-operation between a number of member-states is portrayed as a European Army in waiting. The detailed protocol on this option sets its development clearly in the context of EU principles. limits its activities to the extended Petersberg Tasks and to meeting UN calls for support in crisis situation. The Nordic Battlegroup, in which Ireland participates, is in effect structured co-operation in practice.
The fundamental question on European security and defence policy is that of shared responsibility in a challenging world environment. Ireland has always accepted its responsibilities and has a positive contribution to make to the evolution of European policy and practice. Ireland's fundamental policy stance of military neutrality is fully protected through the terms of both the Lisbon Treaty and the Bunreacht na hÉireann. - Yours, etc,
TONY BROWN, Bettyglen, Raheny, Dublin 5.
Madam, - I occasionally write letters to your paper. Very occasionally one gets on the Letters page. I try to keep to the guidelines - keep it short and to the point.
It seems unfair to me that politicians can write lengthy letters on the Lisbon treaty and other political matters and - dare I say it? - clog up the letters page. Have they not ample forums through their parties to air their views and thus leave room for the rest of us to air ours? - Yours, etc,
ITA McCORMACK, Rail Park, Maynooth, Co Kildare.