LINDA McEVOY,
Sir, - Leo Varadkar (September 3rd) emphatically states that "each country has the right to set down the rules of its democracy as it so wishes and certainly should not have them imposed by the No camp in Ireland". Has it escaped Mr Varadkar's notice that, in accordance with Ireland's constitutional requirements, a democratic and validly held referendum on the ratification of the Treaty of Nice was conducted last year, and that "in final appeal" as per Article 6 of the Bunreachta na hÉireann, the people decided the Treaty may not be ratified?
As a No voter myself, I also take issue with his sweeping and arrogant contention that most of the No lobby's arguments are "merely a poor disguise for a more sinister aim - the removal of Ireland from the European project itself". This ludicrous line of reasoning, which has pervaded Yes camp arguments through successive referendums, is akin to stating that anyone who criticises the houses of the Oireachtas must be anti-Irish. Or, as the current US President has famously stated, "if you are not for us, then you are against us."
I am passionately in favour of the EU as a partnership of legal equals; there has been no project in history as successful in terms of bringing peace and prosperity to so many people in such a short period of time. At its heart has been the central tenet of Grail code, that is, leaders and followers alike being as one in common, unified service.
The reactions and actions of the Taoiseach, members of his Government, and members of other EU Governments to last year's referendum result can only serve in time to undermine and destroy this unparalleled achievement. - Yours, etc.,
LINDA McEVOY, Lagan House, Custom House Square, Dublin 1.
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Sir, - We are currently in one of the most critical periods ever for Irish agriculture. In addition to the mid-term review of the Common Agriculture Policy, we face crucial talks at the Copenhagen summit in December when the Danish Presidency of the EU wishes to wrap up a financial deal for integrating the applicant states into the CAP. Events further afield are also likely to affect us: the recent US Farm Bill is a major challenge while the next round of World Trade Organisation negotiations pose a threat to the European model of farming.
Faced with this agenda, there is no doubt Ireland and its farmers need all the help they can get. These are not battles we can fight and win alone. Since joining the EEC in 1973, Ireland has benefited to the tune of €32 billion and has developed a world-class agri-food sector. We have had traditional allies in Europe, such as France, which have always strongly defended the CAP.
Now, more than ever, Irish farming needs its friends in Europe. A second No vote on the Nice Treaty would cause a disastrous loss of good will.
Countries such as Poland, Lithuania and Hungary have farm-based economies, though their agriculture is far less developed than Ireland's. They look to Ireland as an example of how to use EU membership to bring about economic development. They are committed to the preservation of the Common Agricultural Policy and the European model of family farming.
Nice is about preparing the Union to receive these countries. Currently, they are potential future allies in shaping a Union which continues to give high priority to agriculture. A rejection of Nice will, rightly or wrongly, be interpreted as a rejection of their membership. And when they eventually do come in, how will they react towards Ireland?
We are a small country which, in this globalised economy, depends on building alliances in areas of national interest. On the whole the CAP has served Ireland well through the years and helped us handle many crises which we could not have dealt with on our own. Let us be clear. There is no future for Irish agriculture outside the CAP. Adopting a position that would be interpreted as anti-EU and anti-enlargement could do irreparable damage to Irish agricultural interests. - Yours, etc.,
LIAM HYLAND, MEP, Ballacolla, Portlaoise, Co Laois.