Sir, – I am writing to welcome the publication of Dáithí O'Ceallaigh and Paul Gillespie's piece on the potential implications for Ireland should the UK leave the EU ("Ireland must do its utmost to keep Britain in the EU", Opinion & Analysis, March 25th). European Movement Ireland concurs with the authors' analysis that the consequences of such an exit would be enormous. With an estimated 600,000 Irish people living in the UK and given our shared history and growing connections, we cannot foresee anything but negative and damaging outcomes should the UK opt to leave.
We are strongly of the view that here in Ireland we need to have open and honest discourse and debate based on the facts about the UK’s EU reform agenda, aspects of which where we may in fact share common ground with our neighbours. It is vital that all sections of Irish society become engaged in this debate, especially in light of the UK elections on May 7th, after which we will know the likelihood or not of an “in/out” referendum.
The EU in its current form is not perfect. We do not have to pretend it is without fault to be pro-European, but on this crucial “Brexit” issue we are unequivocal. Some 41 years ago, Ireland and the UK joined the then EEC on the same day. A withdrawal from the EU by Ireland’s closest neighbour and ally would have profound and significant consequences for Ireland (North and South), the UK and the EU itself. It is not a scenario European Movement Ireland would like to see coming to pass. – Yours, etc,
MAURICE PRATT,
Chairman,
European Movement
Ireland
Lower Fitzwilliam Street,
Dublin 2.