Sir, - I feel we should try to get some perspective on this matter. To recap, the Nice Treaty (a) prepares the European Union for enlargement; (b) allows groups of member-states (including Ireland) to co-operate more closely without affecting the coherence of the EU as a whole; and (c) amends common foreign and security policy (without affecting Ireland's military neutrality).
It is the result of negotiations between the democratically elected governments of 15 sovereign countries, where inevitably there had to be give and take on all sides in order to get agreement. It is a further step in the development of a peaceful and prosperous Europe.
Given the record of mutual trust, friendship and co-operation which has characterised the operation of the EU to date, it would be realistic, and in accordance with common sense, to conclude that the treaty would bring overall benefit to its members, including Ireland).
The majority view among the leadership of this country is to favour ratification of the treaty as being in our national interest.This view obviously carries some weight and should be taken into account when deciding how to vote. It is also important not to let any frustrations we might have with the Government, or the "establishment" in general, to cloud our judgement on this hugely important issue. - Yours, etc.,
J. BOLAND,
Dublin 5.
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Sir, - If, and it's still a large if, I decide to vote Yes to the Nice Treaty, can the politicians who pushed the American way of life on us now assure me that I will be allowed to really be a European?
Having pressed the American agenda on Irish citizens for so long, with what that has cost us in quality of life and loss of identity, surely they are the ones who need to make up their minds.
Might I also suggest that for their own PR purposes they should choose more carefully who should deliver the message, and not send out the belligerent bully boys - and girls - who are largely responsible for the sorry state in which we now find ourselves?
My own overwhelming desire is to reject being talked down to, and I'm really not certain I have the time or the patience to "wait in the long grass", as the leader of the Labour Party suggests. - Yours, etc.,
M. CORCORAN,
Rosslare Harbour,
Co Wexford.