Madam, - In his latest contribution to the correspondence on EU defence policy (February 26th) Andy Storey continues to imply that the proper position for Ireland should be one of suspicion, distrust and non-engagement. In this he is consistent, having argued at the National Forum on Europe that there was a strong case for Ireland to refuse to take part in EU defence operations "on the grounds that it is likely to do more harm than good".
Is he arguing that our troops in Bosnia and Kosovo today are doing more harm than good or that Garda Commissioner Kevin Carty is acting negatively in helping to bring about effective civilian policing in that troubled country? Why should recognition of the clear evidence that Ireland is contributing positively to the security and stability of the Balkans region by these developments be dismissed as mere naivety?
I made the point in my previous letter that "the EU, like any political entity has produced positive and negative results in its areas of activity". There may well be gaps between rhetoric and practice. To bring about positive results and to narrow such gaps requires a policy of real political engagement. The success of last year's presidency points to the scope for influence, by a small member-state, through genuine involvement.
The enlarged and enlarging EU is a complex entity which can only serve the interests of its 450 million citizens if all member-states accept the responsibility of full participation in its institutions and procedures. For Ireland to opt for what would be, in effect, a policy of isolationism on the issues of security and peace will not produce positive results for the Union or for this country in the face of today's political realities. - Yours, etc.,
TONY BROWN, Bettyglen, Raheny, Dublin 5.