Sir, - As a Yes campaigner, I congratulate the No side on their victory in the Nice Referendum. They set the agenda, raised more questions, and ran a more spirited campaign than we did. It is also sometimes good for democracy when voters decide not to follow a given line, even where the result raises fundamental questions about the long-term positioning of our economy, our identity abroad and our character as a people.
The pro-Europe side which only managed to mobilise 16 per cent of the electorate, must now realise that it is no longer enough to leave European issues in the hands of professional representatives and lobbyists. In future, issues must be spelled out more clearly, and closer links established with voters.
The 19 per cent who voted No will have to look at the broader, longer-term effects on prosperity and jobs of moving Ireland away from Europe, and of appearing to dampen the hopes of 11 new countries who want to join the EU.
Finally, the 65 per cent who did not vote will have to wake up and recognise that they are in effect giving a minority a free hand to make critical choices for them.
For all of us, Ireland's Riverdance Days are over. We can expect a progressive fall in international popularity. Nevertheless it was our collective decision, so we will have to shoulder the consequences together. Patch-up solutions will no doubt be sought to allow us sign the Nice Treaty. But the real debate is surely about us. If we are open, confident and generous, we have a great future. If we become inward-looking and selfish, we do not.
So our only option is keep our faith in ourselves, and work all the harder to restore our faith in Europe - and Europe's faith in us. - Yours, etc.,
Rickard Deasy, Carrigahorig, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.