Sir, - I find myself bemused at the sight of former socialists, whether politicos or trade union officials, who in the early 1970s vigorously campaigned against membership of the EEC, now berating anyone who has the temerity to campaign against ratification of the Nice Treaty.
I accepted their reasoning for not joining the EEC when they prophesied quite correctly the damage membership would inflict on the Republic of Ireland. The only reason I can figure out for their turncoat act is that they have joined with relish what they themselves once described as "a rich man's club".
Unlike the people who have become more European than the Europhiles, I well remember that membership of the EEC destroyed our motor car assembly industry, allowed for the plunder of our fishing grounds, drove thousands of small farmers off the land and did nothing to stem the tide of emigration of our young people. For more than the first 20 years of membership, it condemned a generation of people to long-term unemployment.
Of course these New Europhiles will weep crocodile tears for our past woes and then have the gall to say that at least and at last the EEC, now the European Union, has delivered the Celtic Tiger. Wrong again: the new-found wealth of our country was created more by luck and American multinational companies than by EU membership. If the New Europhiles have even a modicum of honesty, they will admit that the Nice Treaty will create conditions for companies which presently form the backbone of our economy to switch production to the new member-states where labour costs are a fraction of ours. It is no mystery why more and more Irish capitalists are investing in the countries that are seeking admission to the EU.
As this may well be the last referendum on EU matters to be countenanced by our Government or the EU, it behoves all those who trumpet the "virtues" of the EU to ensure that a totally honest assessment is put to the people of the possible gains and possible losses to them as a consequence of voting Yes to Nice. After all, isn't that what democracy is supposed to be about? Personally, I will be voting No, again. - Yours, etc.,
Noel Martin, Churchlands, Tinahely, Co Wicklow.
Sir, - While reviewing some papers last night I found the following in the Labour Party's 1997 general election manifesto: "We oppose any suggestion that smaller member-states should lose the automatic right to nominate a member to the European Commission. . .There must be no inner groups, or large state directorates based on trends, such as flexibility . . . Enlargement must not become an excuse for dilution of the Union's institutional structures." Clearly core principles. - Yours, etc.,
F. Kennedy, North Great George's Street, Dublin 1.