Madam, - Much debate has been sparked by Stephen Collins's column of August 2nd recommending that the Government ratify the Lisbon Treaty despite its rejection by the electorate. Michael Drury echoes these sentiments in his letter of August 15th, arguing that ratification of Lisbon does not necessarily require an amendment to the Constitution and hence does not require a referendum.
Leaving aside the legal mechanisms through which Lisbon could be ratified by the Oireachtas, the fact remains that the Irish people have made their decision and for the Government to choose to ignore their will would set a dangerous precedent for democracy in Ireland.
Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (as amended by Lisbon) states: "The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights." It would be ironic if this treaty was brought into effect by ignoring the very democracy it promises to cherish.
Regardless of our individual opinions on the treaty, we should all hope that the Government does not act upon Mr Collins's recommendations by ignoring the referendum result for the sake of political expediency. - Yours, etc,
CONOR O'DONOVAN,
Portersfield,
Coolmine,
Dublin 15.
Madam, - It is perplexing that Irish nationalists should have campaigned so vigorously against the Lisbon Treaty, in parallel with the position of UK Conservatives.
The result of the Lisbon referendum may be a retreat from Ireland's recently won status of freedom and equality among a community of equals in Europe. There could now be a corresponding return to our old, dualistic relationship with Britain, characterised by post-colonial subservience and deference.
Assuming that this is the last thing that Irish nationalists wish to happen, it would be supremely ironic if it came about as a result of their efforts. - Yours, etc,
PAUL O'BRIEN,
Bertram Court,
Dublin 8.
Madam, - In response to several recent letters about Ireland's neutrality, and especially the fears expressed by many anti-Lisbon campaigners about a putative defence alliance, I would like to point out that Ireland's complete lack of defensive capability, in in contrast to other neutral states such as Switzerland, shows that we fully expect other states to help us if we are attacked.
It is interesting that the Peace and Neutrality Alliance and others are perfectly happy for our allies to ensure our safety and sovereignty but balk when we are asked to do likewise for others.
Do they not realise that it is from the action of other states in upholding these principles that we derive our remarkable security?
If the Georgian conflict has shown us anything it is that peace is not a given; we would do well to spare a thought for those without our fortunate geography. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL KEARY,
Leyton,
London E 10.