Sir, - Mr Tom Crilly of the Workers' Party says he is shocked that I might be embarrassed if the Irish people vote No to the Nice Treaty.
I would be embarrassed if the Irish people did not take into account that at least 140,000 people in Ireland have jobs with foreign companies using Ireland as their base within the European Union.
I would be embarrassed if the Irish people did not embrace the great opportunities for Ireland and Europe for more and better jobs in an expanded, single market.
I would be embarrassed if we, as a nation, did not offer the chance of EU membership, peace and prosperity to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
I would be embarrassed if Irish people listened instead to Mr Crilly and the Workers Party, long-time apologists for repressive regimes in Eastern Europe that kept millions of people poor and oppressed.
In reality, I am confident that the Irish people will do themselves proud in the Nice Referendum on June 7th by voting Yes for peace and prosperity in Ireland and Europe. - Yours, etc.,
Mary Harney, TD, Tanaiste, Dail Eireann, Dublin 2.