JOE MURRAY,
Sir, - Senator Maurice Hayes made some interesting, though unsurprising, points at the launch of the report on the activities of the National Forum on Europe (The Irish Times, February 26th). He confirmed what those of us who campaigned for a No vote in the Nice referendum have always maintained - that almost all sections of the population support enlargement.
He also highlighted the frustration that is felt at the prospect of the treaty being put to the people in the same form again in the autumn. The likelihood is, that if this were to be done, it would be rejected by an even greater majority - allowing for the electorate's reaction to such a gesture of governmental contempt.
At the same event, the Taoiseach reportedly acknowledged the widespread support for enlargement and that "fears for military independence" had scared people off voting for the treaty.
In order to address these concerns, there is a clear and simple option open to the Government - the insertion of a protocol in a new treaty exempting Ireland from payment for or participation in European military arrangements.
Such a development would help to reassure people that, as Maurice Hayes said, the forum is indeed a listening rather than a talking shop. - Yours, etc.,
JOE MURRAY,
Afri,
Phibsborough,
Dublin 7.