OLAN MC GOWAN,
A chara - It is outrageous that the head of the Industrial Development Authority should be attacked by Sinn Féin and the Green party for pointing out the increased challenges facing the work of the IDA should there be another No vote on Nice.
Anyone giving a little time to think seriously about the current world economic environment understands immediately that factors of uncertainty are having adverse effects on investment decisions and job creation world-wide. Where Ireland is concerned, introducing a new uncertainty into the longer-term investment view would of course influence the attitudes of the potential international investors who are the IDA's clients. The head of the IDA would not not be doing his job if he did not point out this fact to Irish voters.
It is nonsense to describe the IDA assertions as interference in a political campaign. The second vote on Nice is not just another political exercise; it is a matter of national interest and should be viewed by voters as such. People whose main concern is employment for themselves and their children in Ireland and for a continuing pattern of prosperity must take heed of the detached and professional assessment made by the IDA.
This time we need a Yes vote based on the facts as recognised by all the main national organisations interested in employment. Last year's No vote happened because voters stayed at home thinking we would just continue as we are. Only a large poll can confront the distorted analysis of the world scene offered by Sinn Féin and the Greens. - Is mise,
Ald PAT CAREY TD, Finglas Town Centre, Dublin 11.
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Sir, - In Joe Walsh's article in your edition of July 11th, where he argued that farmers' opposition to CAP should not translate into opposition to Nice, his GAA/golf club analogy may have represented more than he intended.
Mr Walsh painted a picture of a GAA or golf club club official vetoing the admission of new members against the wishes of the existing members, and how such a move would make him unpopular and decrease his influence.
Unfortunately, for too many ordinary voters across Europe, their representatives in Brussels are seen precisely in this light - as self-serving members of an élite club. Comparing the actions of a local sporting club official, acting on his own behalf, to a politician representing an entire electorate is a bit unfortunate.
There exists a widespread perception that our politicians are more worried about their image among the members of their little club in Brussels then about the wishes of their electorates. If the Government and the other main parties are to get their way in the referendum, they should work hard at shattering that common perception.
Personally, I am inclined toward Nice, but if it is rejected again, the Government will have only itself to blame. - Yours, etc.,
OLAN MC GOWAN, Ballinteer Crescent, Dublin 16.
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Sir, - May I be permitted to protest most vehemently at the vulgar abuse to which our esteemed and respected President has recently been subjected by Mr John Gormley?
How dare he use the vernacular "butt out" when giving unsolicited and unnecessary advice to (a) a married lady of unimpeachable character; and (b) the elected President of this country, who is entitled to the respect of each of its citizens?
Do we get the politicians we deserve? - Yours, etc.,
COLM O'DOHERTY, Finsbury Park, Dublin 14.
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Sir,- The reaction of the Green Party TD Mr John Gormley to the comments of the President on the Nice Treatyis, to say the least, astonishing. The President, while having no constitutional role in the running of the State, is allowed to respond to questions put to her so long as the questions do not have anypolitical implications - which the questions put to her in Greece did not.- Yours, etc.,
PAT CONNELL, Brockagh, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
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Sir, - I am surprised at the reaction of the anti-Europeans to the comments made by President McAleese and Sean Dorgan of the IDA. I am sure they would have held a party if President McAleese and Mr Dorgan had advocated a rejection of the Nice Treaty.
It appears to me that the anti-Europeans consider it completely acceptable, appropriate and democratic for an important individual to recommend a rejection of the treaty. But they consider it completely unacceptable, unappropriate and undemocratic for an important individual to come out and support it.
Perhaps they realise that when the people of Ireland hear the truth about Europe and the Nice Treaty the referendum will be passed by an overwhelming majority. - Yours, etc.,
JASON FITZHARRIS, Carlow.