Sir, – It is interesting that in light of the recent European negotiations you recall the debates of the 1960s and ask if “de Gaulle was right all along” (Editorial, December 10th) and Britain is inherently unsuited to membership of the EU. It should not be forgotten that de Gaulle himself had serious concerns about the long-term viability of supra-national institutions, often proving to be a difficult partner himself.
As for Britain’s part, you say that it is “unclubbable”, which, if it were true, might be understandable (it was, after all, kept waiting outside the door of the club for a long time!). In fact, successive British governments have readily approved EU integration and enlargement – even facilitating the creation of the euro in spite of their concerns about the viability of the project.
It was not unreasonable for David Cameron to seek to safeguard what he saw as Britain’s vital interests, just as the French have always sought to safeguard their own. President Sarkozy’s antics, meanwhile, were worthy of a latter-day de Gaulle. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Every citizen of the United Kingdom should be walking tall and rejoicing that UK has a prime minister with courage and foresight. Thankfully we have Britain standing up to a Germany that is once again on the point of taking over all of Europe.
On the other hand, every Irish citizen should be, and most of us are, hanging our heads in shame at the snivelling performance of our Government and our leader when dealing with the same Germans.
Those of us who are old enough, know of the sacrifices and actions that our grandparents and parents endured to bring about and develop Ireland after the signing of the Treaty in 1921. We grew up in an independent Ireland as proud Irish citizens, bowing the knee to nobody, secure in the knowledge that we were developing a modern country equal to any other. Then greed, corruption and incompetence took over.
Now we cringe at the inaction and cowardice of those we elected to represent us. All we see is a Government, devoid of dignity, carrying out every little instruction delivered from Europe.
Enda Kenny and his cohorts, should listen and learn from David Cameron. We joined for a common market, not a political union. Mr Kenny should show some courage and allow us to sort out our own problems.
We have the skill and knowledge within the country to do so. Regrettably very little of this is around the Cabinet table. – Is mise,
Sir, – The recently published ESRI Quarterly Economic Commentary (Autumn 2011) shows the dominant role which exports are playing in leading the recovery of the economy from recession. The importance of the euro in our export trade does not always appear to be appreciated. For example the most recently published CSO data indicate that in the year to August, 40 per cent of our exports were sold to the euro zone; while 24 per cent went to the United States and 15 per cent to the United Kingdom. I suspect that these figures may come as a surprise to many. – Yours, etc,
A chara, – If the Blueshirts try to deny us our right to vote on the direct attack on our sovereignty in that EU budget deal’ we should engage in mass civil disobedience till we bring them to heel and force them to listen to us! – Is mise,
Sir, – Why does the stance of the British Prime Minister David Cameron, remind me so much of the, perhaps apocryphal, headline once printed in a British newspaper? Reflecting the jingoism of that era, reportedly it read: “Fog in Channel – Continent cut off.” Perhaps it could be amended now to read: “Fiscal fog in Channel – EU cut off.” – Yours, etc,