A chara, – As a self-confessed member of the "chattering Irish Europhile class" so disparaged by Eoin Drea ("Ireland is no longer viewed as a credible voice on key issues in Brussels", Opinion & Analysis, September 6th), I take umbrage at his implicit suggestion that Ireland should transform itself into a vassal state ready to ask "How high?" at every suggestion that we should jump in accord with the latest wheeze coming out of the EU institutions and think tanks.
Indeed, it is the mark of a mature, self-confident, and democratic sovereign state that it is not afraid to differ from its partners when the national interest demands it.
There is never a suggestion that Paris or Berlin should jump every time Brussels comes up with a bright idea, so why should Ireland?
With 75 per cent of our foreign direct investment coming from the US and UK, it is not surprising that our economic policies are more influenced by “Boston rather than Berlin” — which contributes just 5 per cent.
Mr Drew appears to believe that tax harmonisation is the only EU integration policy worth discussing when that is explicitly retained as a national competency in all the EU treaties we have signed up for.
Perhaps the EU could add more value to the lives of ordinary citizens by pushing for more integrated public healthcare, pharmaceutical procurement, and educational opportunities rather than further encroaching on what few sovereign powers remain with member states?
In reserving its position on the corporate tax reform until the US Congress has had its say on the final shape of the reforms, Ireland is doing no more than refusing to buy a “pig in a poke”. It would be outrageous for our Government to abandon the biggest single competitive advantage we have without knowing precisely what alternative arrangements will apply.
If this displeases the panjandrums of Brussels, then so be it. It is not our Government’s job to pursue the national interests of Germany or France. They are more than capable of doing so for themselves.
Mr Drea would do well to remind himself that Ireland is a democracy well able to take an independent view of its own national interests. If he is looking for member states which undermine European ideals, he need look no further than Hungary or Poland. If he is looking for tax avoidance on an industrial scale, he might find a closer look at Dutch and Luxembourgian tax practices instructive. Irish corporate tax laws and rates need to change and will do so, but in a manner which is consistent with our Constitution and national interests.
Insulting our national leaders or our “chattering classes” will get him and Brussels nowhere. – Yours, etc,
FRANK SCHNITTGER,
Blessington,
Co Wicklow.