Sir, - The debate on the Treaty of Nice has been characterised by misleading information and a focus on many superfluous issues by some of those advocating a No vote. What has been lacking is a proper discussion on further reform of the European Union and the need for proper explanation of the many and continued rights and benefits that emanate from its legal system.
For all the hyperbole, the proposed changes to be found in Nice are minor. Those who speak of a diminution of sovereignty forget that the primary loss of sovereignty occurred on accession to the Community and that the concept of the Community was always intended to be much greater than that of an inter-governmental body.
Irish citizens have been conferred with many greater rights and benefits through membership than the continued references to agriculture and structural funding would suggest. It is Community law and its interpretation by the European Court of Justice that has continually brought successive Irish governments to task in areas such as gender equality, environmental policy, rights of employees, consumer protection and competition policy.
If anything, the changes in Nice do not got far enough. The treaties are far too convoluted and there is a need for a basic constitution to be considered at the next inter-governmental conference.
The treaty is not perfect but a Yes vote is a vote for a stronger European Union - a Union that has continually conferred substantive rights on Irish citizens and continually ensured that Irish governments adopt progressive policies in areas that benefit the entire population. - Yours, etc.,
Declan J. Walsh, Lecturer in European Union Law, University College, Cork.