Sir, This column of July 27th, Kevin Myers talks about the "militant republican left" and its "castigating any business involvement with the Third World as immoral". I do not speak for the "militant republican left" (who are they?), but I would suggest that in fact the ideal being expressed, by a broad range of people, is that of responsible free trade on a mutually beneficial basis, without exploitation and with the needs of the citizens of the Third World at heart. What has generally happened, depending on the country in question, is the theft of natural resources by foreign multinationals, in collusion with propped up and usually corrupt governments.
Like Mr Myers I support our continued membership of the EU, but it is a democratically deficient bureaucracy in need of change. I agree that we in Ireland have a begging bowl mentality. When the funds dry up within the next few years, the effects on rural Ireland in particular may be devastating. In the meantime, Irish farmers are paid by the EU to be unproductive while our Third World neighbours starve. We may indeed "live in the best time in the history of Ireland and Europe" but before taking pleasure, as Mr Myers suggests, we should remember that the times are quite different and often costly for others less fortunate than ourselves.
On the subject of neutrality, Mr Myers talks about "conditions" of EU membership and our suggested shirking of these by not participating in the WEU and the proposed Euro military alliance. It is simply untrue to suggest that Ireland is breaking "conditions of membership" of the EU by not joining the WEU. We are an equal partner with others, and our membership is based on our neutral status.
Our neutrality is admittedly stagnant at the present time but not negative, as Mr Myers implies. It can be more positive and progressive, and tins - is what many are now proposing. We want our Government to act in co operation with other non aligned, like minded states in promoting world peace; mediate in conflicts, develop our role in the UN and work towards a reduction in the arms trade and elimination of weapons of mass destruction. I am sure that Mr Myers will agree that these are indeed noble aspirations for any state.
Finally, Mr Myers seems unaware of any country in an area of recent conflict which does not have an army. He might therefore like to know about Costa Rica in Central America, where the army was constitutionally abolished in Costa Rica has played an important role in bringing relative peace to Central America, particularly under President Oscar Arias who in 1987 received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in bringing Central American governments together to end the strife in the region.
Costa Rica was, as Ireland is now, under pressure from more powerful neighbours. When asked if the US still considered his country a friend despite his peace efforts (which were contrary to US policy), President Arias replied: "Friendship should not mean being servile. A friend who does everything you want is not a friend but a slave". - Yours, etc.,
Gregans East,
Ballyvaughan,
Co Clare.