Sir, - I read with interest (and some mirth) the comments of Mr Michael Buckley on Poland's proposed accession to the EU "Yes Vote Good for Us and Central Europe" (May 31st). Whenever I read arguments for enlargement they always seem to based on emotive topics like securing democracy. I'd like to point out that Poland has had a democratic culture long before most of Europe. The second constitution in the world was drawn up in Poland and this is still celebrated on May 3rd, and the aristocracy voted for their kings hundreds of years before the concept of vote was known in the western part of Europe.
Whether or not the Poles join the EU they will remain a democracy as will the Czech Republic and the other applicants. It is the countries where democracy is shaky are the countries who will not be joining in the next wave.
In the same edition of your paper Mark Tottenham quotes an ex-Taoiseach as saying "Maastricht means megabucks". That phrase encapsulates far better the attitude of most Poles (and most Irish) towards the EU and is a far more honest assessment of people's reasons for joining the EU. We in Ireland joined because of material gain and to imply otherwise is laughable. Similarly the citizens of the former Eastern Bloc want EU membership because they think it means more money in their pocket.
You can be sure their leaders will make all the right noises in Brussels, but the reality on the ground is different. High sounding phrases and high sounding rhetoric about democracy and European unity are the preserve of a tiny liberal elite who have the time and the standard of living to reflect on these matters. When you are trying to earn a living and raise a family in Warsaw on £400 four hundred pounds a week these arguments are far removed from reality. - Yours, etc.,
Paul Williams, The Co-operation Fund, Warsaw.