Sir, – I had a son born on January 1st, 1973, and I remember the excitement in the ward at the realisation that we were now part of a new Europe, not just an island on the periphery.
The original concept of the European Community was to prevent the reoccurrence of the disastrous World Wars. It is no longer conceivable that Germany would involve us in war, but there is still instability in eastern Europe, and the UK being in Europe can help to strengthen the whole European Union.
It is disappointing that so much of the campaigning has been taken up arguing about how much money we put in or get out.
Being in Europe has broadened our horizons, contributed greatly to the peace process, improved relations with the Republic of Ireland and enabled young people to study and work in Europe. European legislation and funding have contributed greatly to the protection of our environment and to tackling climate change. I am proud to be European, as well as British and Irish, and I most certainly wish to remain in Europe. – Yours, etc,
MARGARET MARSHALL,
Belfast.
Sir, – I greatly fear that your columnist Chris Johns may be right ("Even if they vote to remain, things will never be the same", Business Opinion, June 17th). Your columnist writes that, "Such madness will be difficult to contain, whatever the result."
A fearful mix of jingoism, xenophobia and scaremongering has been unleashed. How in God’s name did we get to this? – Yours, etc,
ANNE BYRNE,
Bray, Co Wicklow.
Sir, – I will be so brelieved when this Brexit bruisness is brover and done with. It is affecting my spreech now. Is there no brother news? – Yours, etc,
PADRAIG J O’CONNOR,
Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.