Sir, - "A general sense of reservation about further integration was the main factor driving the No vote," writes Richard Sinnot (Irish Times, June 9th). If this is a valid conclusion to the referendum vote we have much to be ashamed of. More than any other country in the EC we have enjoyed the economic benefits to the full; common justice should dictate that we afford the same opportunities to other countries of the former Soviet bloc wishing to share in the prosperity.
Unquestionably Ireland's image as an enthusiastic open country has been damaged and will be likened to the monster turning on his creator.
The result of the vote shows - openly admitted - a huge amount of ignorance of political affairs and especially of Community affairs, a matter which the Government and educational establishments have failed to address. Neither has our team of complacent MEPs done much to dispel the darkness surrounding the issues of the treaty. Opponents of Nice had a field day of filling the vacuum with fears; fears for our neutrality, loss of identity, body bags from wars.
Clearly the task now is to find means to address the concerns shown by the result. In the light of the admitted lack of understanding of the real issues education on Europe becomes imperative. A positive move would be the setting up of a forum, as suggested by Proinsias de Rossa to which groups round the country could submit their views and concerns on developments inside the community. The result might bring the nation closer to the heart and spirit of the European ideal rather than the expectation of hand-outs. Meanwhile, we must try to explain to our children why we said no to Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic after the 30 years of plenty, at exactly the moment when Ireland switches from being a net beneficiary of the EU, to being a net contributor. - Yours, etc.,
John F. Fallon, Boyle, Co Roscommon.