Madam, - A Yes vote for the EU Reform Treaty will send a clear message to our trading partners and multinational companies that Ireland is at the centre of Europe. A No vote will send out a message of detachment and isolation.
I believe the prosperity we enjoy today in Ireland would be unimaginable if we were not central players in Europe. It must be remembered that since European membership, per capita gross domestic product in Ireland has increased from 60 per cent of the Community average in 1973 to 144 per cent in 2007. A Yes vote will help create and maintain jobs, bringing benefits to society as a whole and not just to business.
Looking to the future, the Irish economy will face new and uncertain challenges. We live in an era of financial market uncertainty, fast technological change and globalisation. We must face these challenges from a position of strength.
In this context, can those who oppose the treaty address the economic implications for Ireland of a No vote? - Yours, etc,
EAMONN FARRELL,
Carlanstown,
Kells,
Co Meath.