Sir, – Denis Staunton writes: “Germany’s Minister for European Affairs has confirmed that European Union negotiators sought to design the euro zone fiscal compact in such a way [as] to avoid a referendum in Ireland” (Front page, February 23rd). “Michael Link, who was visiting Dublin [Wednesday] for talks with Ministers, officials and members of the Oireachtas, added that Ireland’s constitutional requirements will also help to determine the drafting, at next week’s EU summit, of rules governing the role of the European Court of Justice in enforcing the new pact.”
I assume, as Denis Staunton seems to assume, that Herr Link is telling the truth.
Two weeks ago, you reported on an interview with Taoiseach Enda Kenny: “However, when pressed in the interview on whether Ireland had insisted on the text being designed to obviate a referendum in Ireland, he said ‘not at all’.” As the Taoiseach is, of course, an honest man, we have to conclude one of two things: either one or more of his colleagues (or our representation in Brussels) have been lobbying for this without telling him, or our dear friends among the European Union negotiators have decided spontaneously to spare him the stress of putting the Fiscal Compact to the people.
Whichever option you choose, his authority and our sovereign independence have been savagely undermined. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Germany’s Minister for European Affairs Michael Link, should be hailed an honorary “friend of Paddy” for his honest admission that the EU “fiscal compact” was designed to avoid a referendum in Ireland (Front page, February 23rd).
Enda Kenny’s first flush of enthusiasm for openness upon arrival in the Taoiseach’s office, when he assured a nation made weary by years of obfuscation and downright spoofing under various Fianna Fáil ministers, that “Paddy likes to know what is going on”, would appear to have been itself “amended”. It would now seem that if “Paddy” wants to know what is going on, he must first ask a German? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – It seems strange that the idea of Ireland negotiating to “avoid a referendum” on the fiscal compact treaty would give rise to controversy.
A referendum on European Treaties only happens if there is to be a change to the Constitution. As only the people can change the Constitution, it is surely the duty of the Government not to give way to any changes that involve such change. So in negotiating in such a fashion the Government would be upholding the Constitution.
If a referendum is not required, the Government will have done a good day’s work, having ensured that the changes entailed by the treaty are of a sufficiently minor nature that they are covered by the current treaties and our Constitution; a good thing. If not, a referendum will be held and the people will decide if the Constitution is, or is not, in need of change, also a good thing presumably? – Yours, etc,