DANA ROSEMARY
Madam, - I welcome the Government's announcement that, at last, it is to contribute to the European Convention debate on the future of Europe. I have called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, several times in the past to clearly state the Governments and Ireland's position.
It is time our Government and Irish political representatives in Europe clearly stated the direction in which they see Europe going. We have already lost much ground as several of the working groups have already concluded and Ireland has lost a vital opportunity to influence the future shape of the EU. Those seeking a political Europe with an EU constitution have set the pace.
Mr Cowen must now fully engage in the debate and ensure that Ireland is not further reduced to accepting, rather than influencing, what has already been agreed.
It would appear that the Government has failed properly to think through the implications of the convention. I welcome the change of tone from Mr Cowen and ask him to commit to attending convention sessions so as to make detailed contributions to the process at as early a stage as possible.
Mr Cowen now has an opportunity to clearly state Ireland's position with regard to an EU constitution and the legal status of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. It is time for clarity and leadership if Ireland is to maintain its position as a sovereign constitutional nation at the heart of Europe. The Irish people deserve to know if the Government intends to support a Europe of independent sovereign nations or it intends to surrender our Constitution and pursue a political Europe agenda. - Yours, etc.,
DANA ROSEMARY SCALLON, MEP,
Colonial Buildings,
Eglinton Street,
Galway.