A chara, - In response to T. O'Connor (June 26th), I have suggested that Seanad ╔ireann should embark on a series of debates associated with the Nice Treaty. My proposal is that, rather than having just one all-embracing debate, that there should be a series of thematic debates centred around each aspect of the Nice Treaty. For example, issues relating to neutrality could be debated in the presence of the Minister for Defence, issues relating to sovereignty or quality majority voting could be debated in the presence of An Taoiseach, and so on.
These debates would also be an opportunity to state and re-state clearly and unambiguously that the Government accepts the verdict of the Irish people. In recent weeks, I have attended a number of meetings throughout Europe with colleagues from other parliaments and they too fully respect the Irish vote.
In the aftermath of rejection, the challenge for all of us both on the Yes side and on the No side is to establish common ground on the issues that separate us. Therefore I wholeheartedly welcome An Taoiseach's initiative to set up a Forum for Europe where all of us will enjoy parity of esteem and where each issue will be analysed and debated fully. The forum could use as its model the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF ) which involves all four pillars of civil society - parliamentary, trade unions, employers and the voluntary sector.
The establishment of the European Union remains and extraordinary achievement, rising out of the ashes of the second World War as a model of democracy, peace and stability. Ireland has played a full and active role in its evolution since we joined almost 30 years ago. It is obvious, however, that the gap between the political Θlite and the voters of Europe has widened alarmingly. -_ Yours, etc.,
Senator Paschal Mooney, Seanad ╔ireann, Dublin 2.