JOSS LYNAM,
Sir, - I am sick of the No to Nice campaigners smugly telling us that the "people of Ireland" voted against the treaty at the last referendum. About 18 per cent of the electorate voted against Nice, about 17 per cent voted for Nice, about 65 were silent. I have always heard that silence spells consent - so why do we need another referendum when 82 per cent of the electorate have consented to Nice?
More seriously, as someone who uses and cares for our environment, I cannot understand the Green Party's stand against Nice. As it is, our environment is badly damaged, but without the EU's environmental policies and safeguards it would be in a far worse state. - Yours, etc.,
JOSS LYNAM,
Ardilea Estate,
Dublin 14.
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Sir, - I happen to think this Government and its cohorts are a disgrace and responsible for destroying the very fabric of Irish family life. However, I must let my principles transcend my prejudices and vote Yes to the Nice Treaty. My reason: I have seen documentaries from places such as Bulgaria and Poland and have been appalled at the sight of unfortunate people in virtual rags scratching an infertile earth for mere sustenance.
As a Christian I consider it my duty to include such persons in our realm of comparative opulence. Of course I have reservations regarding our neutrality, undesirable super powers and perhaps our lack of empowerment, but I leave these possible consequences to the greater superpower of all - a merciful and loving God. - Yours, etc.,
DOREEN COADY,
Dublin 20.