Sir, – The correspondence on “Brexit” suggests that the choice is stark – either Britain stays in or exits the EU. In fact, the choice is dependent on what results from negotiations on EU reform, and whether David Cameron then argues for Britain to stay in the EU. This should open the possibility for a more general reform, and in particular looking at how the “democratic deficit” might be addressed.
This of course would be unpopular with the bureaucrats in Brussels, and it is sadly unthinkable that an Irish Government, incapable of saying so much as boo to a foreign goose lest it be thought it was getting above itself, might raise the issue.
Right now we are in a strange position of increased federalism, binding economic dictats, and no real accountability. – Yours, etc,
EOIN DILLON,
Mount Brown,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – Given recent discussion as to the possible outcomes of a Brexit, including the reintroduction of passport controls between the UK and Ireland, may I point out that the only people undermining the common travel area in these islands are the Irish authorities. Whenever I fly into Dublin Airport from Edinburgh I am funnelled through to passport control along with all other international travellers – so much for passport-free travel.
Somehow in Edinburgh Airport the immigration officials seem to be able to direct Irish travellers away from passport control, and thus we are free to enter the country without showing any identification – surely the very essence of a common travel area. – Yours, etc,
DAVID CLARKE,
Edinburgh.
Sir, – A more logical solution to concerns about passport controls in Ireland would be a reversal of partition. It’s also worth remembering that the EU borders between Norway and both Sweden and Finland present no great problems on either side. – Yours, etc,
ASHLEY ALLSHIRE,
Coachford,
Co Cork.