Madam, - Garret FitzGerald (March 30th) seems caught up in the belief that the EU Constitution will bring about a more open and democratically accountable European Union. The reality is a little different.
He writes that the concept of democracy is "endorsed and also enhanced by the existence of a constitution drawn up by a European Convention". However, the Constitution was not drawn up by the Convention, but by the small unaccountable élite known as the Praesidium. Over 1,000 amendments were proposed by the Convention - none of which was accepted.
Given the undemocratic nature of this process it is hardly surprising that the final proposed text does nothing to tackle the issue of the democratic deficit; rather, it makes it worse.
One of the key terms of reference of the Convention was to create "more democracy, transparency and efficiency" and to bring citizens closer to the European institutions. On all accounts it has failed. It further concentrates power in the European Council and Commission. It extends qualified majority voting to a large number of areas. It further undermines the principle and practice of national sovereignty.
In short, it takes more power further away from ordinary people and puts it in the hands of unelected or unaccountable bodies. This is hardly a recipe for greater democracy.
The letter refers to those new powers conferred on national parliaments contained in the protocols, which in his view represent "significant advances". This is simply wishful thinking and ignores the practice of the Commission and Council.
These protocols provide member-states with a consultative fig leaf to hide the fact that national parliaments will have less say in legislation that significantly affects on the lives of Irish people. - Yours, etc.,
MARY LOU McDONALD MEP, Sinn Féin National Chairperson, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.